Pinky Mooko, director of Baleti Estate in Mpumalanga, combines forestry with avocado, macadamia, pecan and honey production, while creating permanent and seasonal employment opportunities within the local community.

Through Sappi's Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) programme, Baleti Estate received business development support, along with 30 beehives and honey-processing equipment, enabling the business to establish a new income stream while developing additional skills among employees.

Pinky says access to finance, land, equipment, and established business networks in agroforestry industry remains more difficult for women than for many of their male counterparts. Yet she believes that determination, continuous learning, and the right support structures can overcome these barriers, enabling women to build successful businesses that benefit entire communities.