Nairobi Archdiocese launches a dairy factory to boost food security
Source: The DairyNews
In an effort to combat food insecurity and malnutrition, the Archdiocese of Nairobi, led by Archbishop Philip Arnold Subira Anyolo, recently inaugurated Caritas Dairy—a revolutionary milk processing plant. The initiative, born out of a commitment to alleviate hunger and uplift communities, is set to empower local farmers and bolster food availability.
Archbishop Anyolo, during the plant's opening on Nov. 16, emphasized the project's significance as a beacon of hope and solidarity in a world grappling with a shortage of sufficient, safe, and nutritious food. Named Caritas Dairy, the plant, a venture of Caritas Nairobi, aims to engage thousands of farmers in buying and selling milk produce, fostering sustainable livelihoods.
"This dairy project is not just a venture; it is a testament to our unwavering dedication to serving humanity," remarked Archbishop Anyolo. Inspired by Pope Francis' call for an inclusive and sustainable food system, the project aligns with the U.N.'s Sustainable Development Goal of ending hunger and achieving food security.
The archdiocese actively collaborates with farmers, encouraging cultivation and production to sustain families, fulfilling the church's mandate to feed the hungry. Caritas Nairobi initiated the factory's construction in 2020, conducted trials in October 2022, and achieved full production two months later. James Kiiru, Caritas Dairy board chairman, highlighted the project's remarkable expansion, procuring milk from a network of over 2,000 farmers.
At the launch event, Sr. Mary Mbaci, the director of Caritas Nairobi, reflected on the journey, recalling the initiation of a heifer exchange program 13 years ago. The program, promoting livelihoods and community cohesion, laid the foundation for Faidi—a farmers' network benefiting 4,000 current dairy farmer members.
The Caritas Dairy project has created jobs, improved breeding practices, and linked farmers to savings and credit services. Collaborating with church organizations, including Italian and Irish Caritas, and Catholic Relief Services, the project embodies hope, progress, and the transformative power of unity and compassion. Archbishop Anyolo envisions Caritas Dairy becoming a symbol of hope, catalyzing progress, and testifying to the transformative potential of unity and compassion.
"This dairy project is not just a venture; it is a testament to our unwavering dedication to serving humanity," remarked Archbishop Anyolo. Inspired by Pope Francis' call for an inclusive and sustainable food system, the project aligns with the U.N.'s Sustainable Development Goal of ending hunger and achieving food security.
The archdiocese actively collaborates with farmers, encouraging cultivation and production to sustain families, fulfilling the church's mandate to feed the hungry. Caritas Nairobi initiated the factory's construction in 2020, conducted trials in October 2022, and achieved full production two months later. James Kiiru, Caritas Dairy board chairman, highlighted the project's remarkable expansion, procuring milk from a network of over 2,000 farmers.
At the launch event, Sr. Mary Mbaci, the director of Caritas Nairobi, reflected on the journey, recalling the initiation of a heifer exchange program 13 years ago. The program, promoting livelihoods and community cohesion, laid the foundation for Faidi—a farmers' network benefiting 4,000 current dairy farmer members.
The Caritas Dairy project has created jobs, improved breeding practices, and linked farmers to savings and credit services. Collaborating with church organizations, including Italian and Irish Caritas, and Catholic Relief Services, the project embodies hope, progress, and the transformative power of unity and compassion. Archbishop Anyolo envisions Caritas Dairy becoming a symbol of hope, catalyzing progress, and testifying to the transformative potential of unity and compassion.
