The Nhanvengo site is situated in the Dondo District of Sofala in central Mozambique. The climate in this district is transitional from tropical rainforest to hot steppe. During the Mozambican Civil War between 1977-1990, most of the country experienced passive conservation because rural areas were difficult to access and many were forced to flee the country. The deforestation rate increased along with development when the war ended. Industries took off, including the forestry sector, on both a large scale (logging) and small scale (fuelwood collection, charcoal production).

In addition to political and economic pressures, the district is also subject to cyclones. These storms bring heavy rains, flooding, soil erosion, and remove forest canopy. These cyclones also have disastrous effects on local agriculture which reduces food security and income.