Local farm plan: Lynden couple seeks funding for West African agricultural project

Debra Kouda and Thomas D'Aquin are raising $25,000 to launch a 1.5-acre farm near their home in Glazoué, Benin. The couple, who reside in Lynden, purchased the land themselves and now seek outside funds to cover the first year of operational costs. Their goal is to establish a working model that provides employment for local youth while supporting a nearby Catholic school.

Kouda, a native of Fairbanks, Alaska, met D'Aquin in 2007 during a Peace Corps mission. They married and have three sons. The pair split their time between their Beninese home and their Lynden residence, where they moved a few years ago to be closer to family. D'Aquin, who grew up farming in a region where agriculture is a daily norm, developed the concept for the project. He wanted to put the newly purchased land to work while addressing local unemployment.

The proposed farm, named the Glazoué Friendship Farm, will consist of 10 equally sized plots. Initial crops will include tomatoes, peppers, black-eyed peas, corn, soybeans, and peanuts for the local market. The couple also plans to plant long-term crops such as bananas and coconuts, which are scarce in the area, along with beehives for honey and pollination. Future plans include adding goats, chickens, and a fish pond to create a cycle of manure and water that feeds the crops.

A portion of the income from crop sales, along with some of the food produced, will go to the local Catholic school. D'Aquin stated that the farm is intended to give work to unemployed young people. The couple views this initiative as a pilot to test methods and create jobs before expanding operations. They emphasize starting small rather than hiring large numbers of workers immediately.

The $25,000 target covers land clearing, a well, pump, and water storage. It also funds seedlings, tools, beehives, a farm manager, seasonal workers, and transport. Kouda noted that Lynden’s own agricultural environment reminds them of the importance of food production. She expressed a desire to take care of the earth so it can continue to provide for them.

Alexandre Doukan, a communal councilor in Glazoué, supports the project. He said agriculture should shift from subsistence farming to an organized business that creates wealth and guarantees income for farmers. Doukan believes the initiative will make a lasting contribution to food security while strengthening community partnerships.

D'Aquin said the couple has already invested their own money to buy the land. He explained that the fundraising goal is specific to covering initial setup costs and paying staff. The couple believes this amount is sufficient to get the farm running based on their modest start.