The Nazareth Sisters of the Annunciation: Cultivating Hope through Dragon Fruit Farming in Meru

An inspiring transformation occurs in the heart of Meru, Kenya, led by the Nazareth Sisters of the Annunciation. These dedicated sisters, who have been a pillar of support for the local community since their congregation’s inception in 1955, are now venturing into a unique social enterprise that is changing their lives and the region’s agricultural landscape. This transformative journey began after the sisters received specialized training at Strathmore University, a turning point that opened the door to a promising and profitable avenue: Organic Dragon Fruit Farming.

 The Nazareth Sisters of the Annunciation, deeply committed to evangelizing through social and religious apostolate ministries, embarked on this remarkable journey after years of selflessly serving the poor, orphans, widows, and others in need. It was a noble endeavor, but financial sustainability remained a challenge. Their transformation began when they participated in the Sisters’ Blended Value Project (SBVP) training at Strathmore University’s Business School (SBS). This training would prove to be a catalyst for change, igniting their passion for blending social ministry with profitable enterprise.

 The dragon fruit project, aptly named “Blessed Hands Organic Farming” by the Nazareth sisters, was born during the Social Enterprise Program (SEP) – Start-up training at Strathmore University. The choice of dragon fruit farming aligned seamlessly with the congregation’s social apostolate, enshrined in the congregation’s charism. Dragon fruit, known for its rich nutritional content, including cancer-fighting properties, immune-boosting qualities, and essential nutrients, perfectly encapsulates the Sisters’ commitment to improving the community’s well-being.

 The Social Enterprise Programme training equipped the Sisters with essential skills, including networking, market research, and efficient record-keeping. It empowered these women of faith to evolve into business-savvy entrepreneurs. Armed with newfound knowledge and driven by their mission to create positive change, they planted their first 200 dragon fruit seedlings, with ambitious plans to increase this number to 1,000 in the following year (2023).

 Dragon fruit cultivation is not a pursuit for the impatient. These vibrant and exotic fruits take approximately one and a half years to mature. The Nazareth Sisters cultivated passion fruits to sustain themselves during this period. Already, they have successfully harvested and sold these passion fruits and used the income earned from the sales in dragon fruit farming.

 The Sisters’ ambitions are big. They hope to supply dragon fruits for both local and international markets. Located near the Isiolo Airport, they intend to utilize this strategic advantage for exporting their produce abroad. Their long-term plan includes adding value to their production chain by processing dragon fruit into juice, making this nutritious fruit readily accessible and affordable to a broader market.

 The Nazareth Sisters’ story is a testament to the power of education and transformation. It serves as a reminder that the SBVP is turning noble intentions into reality, even in the most challenging circumstances. Sisters who worked on financially strained ministries are now managing sustainable social enterprises. The dragon fruit project is not just an agricultural venture but a symbol of hope, resilience, and a brighter future for the Nazareth Sisters of the Annunciation in Meru. Through their Blessed Hands Organic Farming, the Nazareth Sisters are cultivating a vision of prosperity, health, and empowerment that is ripening into reality.