From Seed Grant to Success: How SBVP Empowered the Nazareth Sisters to thrive in Ruiri’s Drylands

On 19th June 2026, representatives from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, the Association of the Consecrated Women of Eastern Africa (ACWECA), and the Sisters’ Blended Value Project (SBVP) at Strathmore University Business School visited Blessed Hands Organic Farm of the Nazareth Sisters. The farm is located in the Ruiri, the dry leeward side of Mount Kenya in Meru County. The region is characterised by an arid landscape with dry, rugged terrain. The climate is predominantly hot, with most of the year experiencing scorching summer-like conditions and rainfall levels remaining below average. Against the odds of a harsh climate and limited water resources, the Nazareth Sisters have transformed a once-barren piece of land into a thriving dragon fruit farm. The farm is steadily changing lives in the less-populated dry land of Meru County.

The team was warmly received by Mother Adelina Muguna, Superior General of the Nazareth Sisters. Also present were the individuals who have played an instrumental role in nurturing and supporting the project since its inception.  As the team walked through the rows of dragon fruit plants stretching across the dry landscape, it became evident that this was more than a farm; it was a testament to the transformative power of intentional training and strategic support.

 A Seed of Opportunity

The story of Blessed Hands Organic Farm began in June 2022 when members of the Nazareth Sisters of Annunciation participated in the SBVP training. Through the training, the sisters gained practical skills in enterprise management, planning, and sustainable income generation. The dragon fruit farm that the team visited was the congregation’s Action Learning Project (ALP), conceived as part of their journey to translate learning into practical action.

Upon graduation, the congregation was awarded a seed grant through SBVP, made possible by the generous support of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation.The sisters invested the grant in preparing the land and purchasing dragon fruit seedlings. Convinced that the dragon fruit could thrive in the region’s harsh climate, the congregation invested its seed grant in dragon fruit seedlings. What started as 500 plants has since grown into a thriving enterprise of 1,500 plants spanning three varieties – white, red, and yellow flesh. The sisters have also established their own seedling nursery, laying the foundation for continued growth and greater sustainability.

The success of Blessed Hands Organic Farm is reflected in the steady growth of its harvests and the sisters’ commitment to reinvesting earnings back into the enterprise. The first major harvest in December 2023 yielded 96 kilograms of dragon fruit. This was sold at KSh 1,000 per kilogram. In August 2024, the farm harvested 115 kilograms with the fruit continuing to command the same premium price. he proceeds supported further expansion, including the introduction of additional dragon fruit varieties and the continued development of the enterprise.

Growing More Than Fruit

The impact of the farm extends far beyond agricultural production. One of its most significant achievements has been the creation of employment opportunities within the local community. The farm currently employs four workers, providing stable incomes that support four families. The enterprise has also contributed to improved nutrition among the sisters and the surrounding community. In addition to dragon fruit production, the congregation has diversified into cultivating other crops such as beans, maize, tomatoes, papaya, and lemons. Livestock farming has also become an important component of the enterprise, with the farm now rearing 120 chickens, 17 goats, eight cows, and five ducks. This diversification has strengthened the farm’s resilience while providing a reliable source of food and income for the congregation.

Looking Ahead

As the visit concluded, one thing became very clear: the Nazareth Sisters of Annunciation have built far more than a dragon fruit farm. They have created a model of resilience, innovation, and social enterprise in one of Kenya’s most challenging agricultural environments.

Their aspirations for the future are ambitious but achievable. They envision expanding the farm, increasing dragon fruit production, growing their livestock enterprises, and strengthening market access. Most importantly, they hope to secure a deeper and more reliable borehole that will provide the water needed to unlock the farm’s full potential. They believe they are on the right path to becoming more sustainable.

The success of the Blessed Hands Organic Farm is a powerful testament to the impact of the SBVP. Through targeted training, seed grants, and ongoing mentorship, SBVP has enabled the Nazareth Sisters of the Annunciation to turn an idea into a thriving enterprise that creates jobs, improves food security, and offers hope to the surrounding community.

Article by Alex Okoth