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 Aduragbemi Omiyale
One of the leading local energy firms, Oando Plc, delivered an impressive financial performance in the first six months of 2026, according to details of its results filed to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited.
Between January and June 2026, revenue surged by 20 per cent to N2.1 trillion from N1.7 trillion in the same period of 2025, driven by growth in the Exploration & Production and Trading segments of the business.
Also, the net profit grew by 8 per cent year-on-year to N68.6 billion from N63.3 billion, supported by improved operating profits and tax credits.
It was observed that the organisation deepened its domestic gas monetisation portfolio with the commencement of long-term gas supply of 11.2 MMscfd to the newly commissioned 60 MW Bayelsa Independent Power Plant.
“The first half of 2026 marks an important inflexion point in Oando’s journey. Over the past two years, our priority has been to successfully integrate one of the most significant upstream acquisitions in Africa and unlock the full value of our expanded portfolio. The progress achieved during the period demonstrates that we are now delivering the operational and financial outcomes expected from that transformation,” the chief executive of Oando, Mr Adewale Tinubu, stated.
Commenting further on the results, Mr Tinubu said, “Operational efficiency underpinned our performance during the period as we strengthened asset integrity, improved facility reliability and reinforced security across our operating areas, resulting in average facility uptime of 92 per cent while reducing production operating costs by 18 per cent to $16.83 per boe.”
“Our development programme also gathered significant momentum during the period as we successfully drilled and completed two land development wells, with an additional land well currently being drilled, while mobilising a second drilling rig to accelerate activity across our operated portfolio.
“In parallel, we continued an extensive programme of rig-less well interventions designed to restore production, sustain plateau output and mitigate natural field decline. Together, these activities increased average production to 42,789 boepd, representing 16 per cent year-on-year growth.
“This translated into a stronger financial performance, with revenue increasing by 20 per cent to N2.1 trillion, while the business generated N179.5 billion in operating cash, improving liquidity. Profit after tax also increased by 8 per cent to N68.6 billion, reflecting the overall improvement in operating performance during the period,” he pointed out.
The Oando chief also said, “Looking ahead in 2026, our priorities remain firmly centred on completing our seven-well drilling programme and portfolio-wide well intervention campaign while delivering production of circa 50,000 boepd.
“Beyond 2026, our identified inventory of 62 development wells, supported by 55 planned well interventions, provides a clear pathway towards our medium-term production ambition of approximately 100,000 boepd.
“Furthermore, we shall execute an intensive fundraising and balance sheet restructuring programme to optimise our capital structure, strengthen our financial position, improve working capital, enhance financial flexibility and ensure the business is appropriately funded to accelerate growth and maximise long-term shareholder value.
“We have built a resilient operating platform and established a clear roadmap for growth. Our focus is now on translating our significant opportunities into higher production, a stronger balance sheet and superior long-term returns for our shareholders.”
By Adedapo Adesanya
Africa-focused fintech company PalmPay has joined the ranks of unicorn startups after attaining a valuation of more than $1 billion, as the digital payment platform prepares for a potential initial public offering (IPO) in Hong Kong.
According to a report by Bloomberg on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the matter, the Hong Kong-headquartered company is in advanced discussions to raise about $200 million in a new funding round that would cement its unicorn status and support its next phase of expansion.
The planned fundraising comes as PalmPay accelerates its growth strategy across Africa and Asia, while positioning itself for a public listing that could become one of the most significant fintech IPOs involving an Africa-focused company in recent years.
PalmPay’s move follows a period of rapid growth in Nigeria, where it has become one of the country’s largest digital financial services providers. Alongside OPay and Moniepoint, the company forms the trio that dominates Nigeria’s retail digital payments and agency banking market, a segment driven by millions of point-of-sale (POS) transactions processed daily.
With PalmPay’s latest valuation milestone, all three leading Nigerian fintechs have now achieved unicorn status. While OPay has previously disclosed plans to pursue a listing in the United States, Moniepoint has remained focused on expanding its banking and business services without publicly indicating IPO ambitions.
Founded in 2019 after securing a Mobile Money Operator (MMO) licence from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), PalmPay has built one of the country’s fastest-growing fintech ecosystems. The company says it now serves more than 35 million registered users and over 600,000 merchants, supported by an extensive network of more than 500,000 mobile money agents nationwide.
The platform offers a broad suite of financial services, including peer-to-peer transfers, bill payments, airtime purchases, savings, credit products, merchant payment solutions and agency banking services. PalmPay says it processes as many as 15 million transactions daily, reflecting the increasing adoption of digital payments across Nigeria.
Beyond its home market, the fintech has expanded into Tanzania, Ghana, and Bangladesh, underscoring its ambition to become a leading emerging-market digital bank. Industry analysts view the expansion as part of a broader strategy to diversify revenue streams while replicating its Nigerian success in other underbanked markets.
PalmPay has attracted backing from prominent global investors, including Taiwanese semiconductor manufacturer MediaTek and smartphone maker Transsion Holdings, whose Tecno, Infinix and itel brands command significant market share across Africa. Their support has helped PalmPay leverage smartphone penetration to drive financial inclusion through mobile-first banking services.
As part of efforts to strengthen its leadership ahead of its next growth phase, PalmPay recently appointed Mr Samuel Oluyemi as Chief Operating Officer (COO) for its Nigerian business. Mr Oluyemi joined the company after more than two decades at the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), where he played key roles in developing the country’s digital payments infrastructure.
If completed, the fundraising and eventual Hong Kong listing would further underscore growing international investor confidence in African fintech companies despite a more cautious global venture capital environment. The proceeds are expected to support PalmPay’s geographical expansion, deepen its product offerings, invest in technology infrastructure and strengthen its competitive position in Africa’s rapidly evolving digital financial services industry.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Market bellwethers, Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc and FrieslandCampina Wamco Nigeria Plc, lifted the NASD Over-the-Counter (OTC) Securities Exchange by 2.08 per cent on Monday, August 3.
CSCS Plc, the Nigerian securities depository company, gained N10.00 to close at N112.00 per share compared with the previous session’s N102.00 per share, and FrieslandCampina Wamco Nigeria Plc advanced by N4.71 to quote at N152.64 per unit versus last Friday’s N147.93 per unit.
As a result, the NASD Security Index (NSI) added 92.14 points to finish at 4,523.85 points compared with the preceding session’s 4,431.71 points, and the market capitalisation appreciated by N55.31 billion to N2.715 trillion from N2.659 trillion.
Business Post reports that the price of MRS Oil Plc crashed during the trading day by N12.00 to N120.00 per share from N132.00 per share, and UBN Property Plc dipped by 3 Kobo to N1.90 per unit from N1.93 per unit.
Trading data showed that the volume of securities exchanged rose by 113.1 per cent to 1.5 million units from 690,990 units, and the number of deals climbed by 19.2 per cent to 31 deals from 26 deals, while the value of securities slid by 13.1 per cent to N65.2 million from N75.0 million.
Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) Plc remained the most traded stock by value on a year-to-date basis, with 3.4 billion units valued at N8.4 billion, followed by Infrastructure Credit Guarantee (Infracredit) Plc with 2.3 billion units sold for N6.5 billion, and CSCS Plc with 76.8 million units traded for N5.5 billion.
GNI Plc also closed the session as the most traded stock by volume on a year-to-date basis, with 3.4 billion units worth N8.4 billion, followed by Infracredit Plc with 2.3 billion units exchanged for N6.5 billion, and Resourcery Plc with 1.1 billion units transacted for N415.7 million.
