By Agrobroadcast Team
The founder of Dodo Farms, Mrs. Tope Fajingbesi, has attributed the birth of her agricultural enterprise in the United States to the strong influence of her family’s farming background in Nigeria.
Speaking with Diaspora Tales on Thursday, Fajingbesi said the farm recently hosted Maryland’s Secretaries of Agriculture and Commerce, a development she described as official recognition of Dodo Farms as a viable agricultural model within the state.
The Nigerian-born accounting professional explained that the idea for the business took root in 2017 and became operational in 2018, inspired by her husband and her late father, both of whom ran farming ventures in Nigeria. She noted that the farm initially operated on one acre of leased land before relocating to its own 10.5-acre farmland in 2024.
Dodo Farms, based in Maryland, is a Black-owned, certified, naturally grown produce farm and is among the few Black-owned agricultural enterprises in the United States.
Fajingbesi said her motivation went beyond criticism of the food system. “It was important to me not to only speak about the over-commercialisation of the food industry, but to take practical steps to address it,” she said, adding that the farm represents her response to longstanding challenges within the U.S. food and agricultural sector.
Highlighting the farm’s growing profile, she revealed that county executives and state assembly members have participated in high-level policy discussions in Washington, D.C., where Dodo Farms has been referenced as a recognised agricultural model.
She also disclosed that the farm recently launched its Edu Tours initiative, which combines hands-on farming experiences with lessons on African and Black agricultural history. According to her, early feedback has shown strong interest in culturally grounded educational programmes.
While acknowledging her husband’s role in shaping the original idea, Fajingbesi clarified the business structure. “The idea was my husband’s, but the business is distinct. I am the sole owner, while he serves as the operator,” she said.