Economy
How Keeping A Small Farm Can Prove To Be A Sustainable Business
In the world today, it is more important than ever to find sustainable ways of living. One way to achieve this is by keeping a small farm. Small farms can provide a variety of sustainable products and services while also preserving the environment. We will explore some of the benefits of keeping a small farm and how it can be a viable business model. So, let’s get started!
Setting Up A Small Farm
Before we dive into the benefits of keeping a small farm, it is important to understand what exactly a small farm is. A small farm is defined as an agricultural enterprise that employs fewer than ten workers (excluding family members). Small farms can be operated as sole proprietorships, partnerships, or corporations. The majority of small farms are family-owned and -operated. On a small farm, you can keep anything from chickens to cows, and some vegetables. Supplies you’ll need on such a farm include chicken feed, coops, fencing, and other basic equipment. Additionally, you will need to obtain the proper permits and licenses before setting up your small farm.
1. Local Production Of Food
One of the main benefits of keeping a small farm is that it allows for the local production of food. As the world population continues to grow, the demand for food will only increase. Small farms can meet this demand by producing food locally. This is important because it cuts down on transportation costs and helps to reduce the carbon footprint of the food that is consumed. Additionally, locally-grown food is typically fresher and tastier than food that has been transported long distances.
2. Preservation Of The Environment
Another benefit of keeping a small farm is that it helps to preserve the environment. Small farms tend to use fewer pesticides and chemical fertilizers than large commercial farms. They also require less land, which means that there is less deforestation. Small farms also tend to have a more diversified crop rotation, which helps to improve soil health. All of these factors help to create a more sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural system.
3. Improved Mental And Physical Health
Keeping a small farm can also have a positive impact on your mental and physical health. Studies have shown that working in nature can reduce stress levels and improve overall well-being. Additionally, working on a small farm can provide you with a moderate amount of exercise, which is beneficial for your physical health. Studies have also shown that people who work on farms have a lower risk of developing dementia.
4. Economic Stimulation
Small farms can also have a positive impact on the economy. When you buy products from a small farm, you are supporting local businesses and farmers. This helps to stimulate the local economy and keep money within the community. Additionally, small farms typically use less energy than large commercial farms. This means that there is less of a demand for fossil fuels, which helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
5. Community Engagement
Finally, keeping a small farm can help to engage the community. Small farms provide an opportunity for people to learn about where their food comes from and how it is produced. They also offer a space for people to come together and connect with nature. On a small farm, you are more likely to develop relationships with your neighbours and other members of the community. Additionally, small farms can be used as a venue for events such as farm-to-table dinners, weddings, and other gatherings.
How To Keep Your Farm Sustainable
Most small farms start as sustainable but soon become unsustainable when they expand and try to produce more. The key to keeping your small farm sustainable is to focus on quality, not quantity. Here are some tips for how to do this:
1. Use Natural Farming Methods
One of the best ways to keep your small farm sustainable is to use natural farming methods. This means avoiding the use of pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and other harmful chemicals. Instead, focus on using organic methods to grow your crops and raise your animals. This will help to preserve the environment and improve the quality of your products.
2. Diversify Your Crop Rotation
Another way to keep your small farm sustainable is to diversify your crop rotation. This means growing a variety of different crops to improve soil health. When you diversify your crop rotation, you will also reduce the risk of crop failure. This will help to ensure that you always have a reliable source of income.
3. Keep Your Animals Healthy
Another important aspect of keeping your small farm sustainable is to keep your animals healthy. This means providing them with a clean and safe environment. It also means feeding them a healthy diet and ensuring that they get enough exercise. By keeping your animals healthy, you will be able to produce high-quality products that are in demand.
4. Invest In Renewable Energy
Finally, one of the best ways to keep your small farm sustainable is to invest in renewable energy. This includes solar panels, wind turbines, and other green energy technologies. By investing in renewable energy, you will be able to reduce your reliance on fossil fuels. This will help to protect the environment and save money in the long run.
Financing Your Farm
Starting a small farm can be a costly endeavour. However, there are several ways to finance your farm. One option is to take out a loan from the government or a private lender. Another option is to seek out grants and other forms of financial assistance. Additionally, you can also crowdfund your farm or sell products to raise money. Also, be sure to look into tax breaks and other incentives that may be available to farmers.
Small farms offer several benefits, both for the environment and for the people who work on them. They are typically more sustainable than large commercial farms and can provide several economic, social, and health benefits. If you are thinking about starting a small farm, be sure to keep these tips in mind to make sure that it is sustainable. And also check out this guide on how to start a successful small farm.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The United Kingdom via the British High Commission in Abuja has launched two flagship economic reform programmes – the Nigeria Economic Stability & Transformation (NEST) programme and the Nigeria Public Finance Facility (NPFF) -as part of efforts to support Nigeria’s economic reform and growth agenda.
Backed by a £12.4 million UK investment, NEST and NPFF sit at the centre of the UK-Nigeria mutual growth partnership and support Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen macroeconomic stability, improve fiscal resilience, and create a more competitive environment for investment and private-sector growth.
Speaking at the launch, Cynthia Rowe, Head of Development Cooperation at the British High Commission in Abuja, said, “These two programmes sit at the heart of our economic development cooperation with Nigeria. They reflect a shared commitment to strengthening the fundamentals that matter most for our stability, confidence, and long-term growth.”
The launch followed the inaugural meeting of the Joint UK-Nigeria Steering Committee, which endorsed the approach of both programmes and confirmed strong alignment between the UK and Nigeria on priority areas for delivery.
Representing the Government of Nigeria, Special Adviser to the President of Nigeria on Finance and the Economy, Mrs Sanyade Okoli, welcomed the collaboration, touting it as crucial to current, critical reforms.
“We welcome the United Kingdom’s support through these new programmes as a strong demonstration of our shared commitment to Nigeria’s economic stability and long-term prosperity. At a time when we are implementing critical reforms to strengthen fiscal resilience, improve macroeconomic stability, and unlock inclusive growth, this partnership will provide valuable technical support. Together, we are laying the foundation for a more resilient economy that delivers sustainable development and improved livelihoods for all Nigerians.”
On his part, Mr Jonny Baxter, British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, highlighted the significance of the programmes within the wider UK-Nigeria mutual growth partnership.
“NEST and NPFF are central to our shared approach to strengthening the foundations that underpin long-term economic prosperity. They sit firmly within the UK-Nigeria mutual growth partnership.”
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
A strategic partnership aimed at accelerating the growth, digital capacity, and sustainability of Nigeria’s 40 million Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) has been signed by MTN Nigeria and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).
The collaboration will feature joint initiatives focused on digital inclusion, financial access, capacity building, and providing verified information for MSMEs.
With millions of small businesses depending on accurate guidance and easy-to-access support, MTN and SMEDAN say their shared platform will address gaps in communication, misinformation, and access to opportunities.
At the formal signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Thursday, November 27, 2025, in Lagos, the stage was set for the immediate roll-out of tools, content, and resources that will support MSMEs nationwide.
The chief operating officer of MTN Nigeria, Mr Ayham Moussa, reiterated the company’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s economic development, stating that MSMEs are the lifeline of Nigeria’s economy.
“SMEs are the backbone of the economy and the backbone of employment in Nigeria. We are delighted to power SMEDAN’s platform and provide tools that help MSMEs reach customers, obtain funding, and access wider markets. This collaboration serves both our business and social development objectives,” he stated.
Also, the Chief Enterprise Business Officer of MTN Nigeria, Ms Lynda Saint-Nwafor, described the MoU as a tool to “meet SMEs at the point of their needs,” noting that nano, micro, small, and medium businesses each require different resources to scale.
“Some SMEs need guidance, some need resources; others need opportunities or workforce support. This platform allows them to access whatever they need. We are committed to identifying opportunities across financial inclusion, digital inclusion, and capacity building that help SMEs to scale,” she noted.
Also commenting, the Director General of SMEDAN, Mr Charles Odii, emphasised the significance of the collaboration, noting that the agency cannot meet its mandate without leveraging technology and private-sector expertise.
“We have approximately 40 million MSMEs in Nigeria, and only about 400 SMEDAN staff. We cannot fulfil our mandate without technology, data, and strong partners.
“MTN already has the infrastructure and tools to support MSMEs from payments to identity, hosting, learning, and more. With this partnership, we are confident we can achieve in a short time what would have taken years,” he disclosed.
Mr Odii highlighted that the SMEDAN-MTN collaboration would support businesses across their growth needs, guided by their four-point GROW model – Guidance, Resources, Opportunities, and Workforce Development.
He added that SMEDAN has already created over 100,000 jobs within its two-year administration and expects the partnership to significantly boost job creation, business expansion, and nationwide enterprise modernisation.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited is seeking review of the controversial Capital Gains Tax increase, fearing it will chase away foreign investors from the country’s capital market.
Nigeria’s new tax regime, which takes effect from January 1, 2026, represents one of the most significant changes to Nigeria’s tax system in recent years.
Under the new rules, the flat 10 per cent Capital Gains Tax rate has been replaced by progressive income tax rates ranging from zero to 30 per cent, depending on an investor’s overall income or profit level while large corporate investors will see the top rate reduced to 25 per cent as part of a wider corporate tax reform.
The chief executive of NGX, Mr Jude Chiemeka, said in a Bloomberg interview in Kigali, Rwanda that there should be a “removal of the capital gains tax completely, or perhaps deferring it for five years.”
According to him, Nigeria, having a higher Capital Gains Tax, will make investors redirect asset allocation to frontier markets and “countries that have less tax.”
“From a capital flow perspective, we should be concerned because all these international portfolio managers that invest across frontier markets will certainly go to where the cost of investing is not so burdensome,” the CEO said, as per Bloomberg. “That is really the angle one will look at it from.”
Meanwhile, the policy has been defended by the chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Mr Taiwo Oyedele, who noted that the new tax will make investing in the capital market more attractive by reducing risks, promoting fairness, and simplifying compliance.
He noted that the framework allows investors to deduct legitimate costs such as brokerage fees, regulatory charges, realised capital losses, margin interest, and foreign exchange losses directly tied to investments, thereby ensuring that they are not taxed when operating at a loss.
Mr Oyedele also said the reforms introduced a more inclusive approach to taxation by exempting several categories of investors and transactions.
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