When Wildlife Returns – Unexpected Guests at our Test Fields in Hoima

What happens when degraded land gets a second chance? Sometimes nature responds faster – and more surprisingly – than expected.

To better understand how different tree species and crops perform under local conditions, Fairventures established several test fields across Uganda. These plots allow the team to monitor growth, resilience, and the potential of agroforestry systems in different districts.

One of these fields was planted in 2018 in the district of Hoima in Western Uganda. Designed as a demonstration for agroforestry approaches, the plot combines native tree species with crops that can support sustainable value chains, such as cocoa. The goal: restore degraded land while creating long-term income opportunities for local smallholder farmers.

But at the beginning of this year, the project team received unexpected news. The local smallholder farmers and Father Joseph, who looks after the field, contacted the Uganda team with an unusual observation: a family of chimpanzees had started visiting the area and enjoying the sweet cocoa crops that were carefully planted and nurtured for years. 

While this development is exciting, even encouraging, it also brings new challenges. The presence of chimpanzees suggests that within just eight years, the once degraded land has transformed into a habitat attractive enough for wildlife to return. At the same time, their visits create uncertainty for the surrounding community.

Together with Father Joseph and the local community, the Ugandan team is  now exploring solutions that protect both people and wildlife while creating benefits for everyone involved.

 If you want to know more about this unexpected encounter between restoration and wildlife, watch the video below, where Fr. Joseph explains the situation in his own words: