Business Ideas for Rural Areas in Nigeria: Are you in the rural part of Nigeria and will like to start a successful business? Well, you are not alone.
Many people today especially in rural area wants to know what profitable business they can do to earn money.
Thinking about starting a business is one, but starting a profitable business is another.
Rural areas in Nigeria offer many opportunities for entrepreneurs to start profitable businesses. While agriculture remains the mainstay of the economy, other sectors such as education, healthcare, and tourism are also emerging as lucrative business options.
For those who want to know businesses that they can start in a rural area, this article will help. This article highlights 15 business ideas that can thrive in rural areas in Nigeria.
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Profitable Business Ideas for Rural Areas in Nigeria
Below is the list of fast-growing profitable businesses you can do in rural areas in Nigeria. The list is categorized based on the work involved.
Agriculture-based Business Ideas
1. Poultry farming: Poultry farming is a lucrative business that can be started with a small capital investment. Rural areas have a vast expanse of land that can be utilized for this venture. Chicken rearing, egg production, and hatchery operations are some of the options that can be explored in this area.
2. Fish farming: Nigeria has a high demand for fish, and rural areas provide a perfect opportunity for this venture. Catfish and tilapia are some of the popular fish breeds that can be reared in ponds.
3. Snail farming: Snail farming is another profitable venture that can be started in rural areas. The demand for snail meat has increased in recent times due to its health benefits.
4. Beekeeping: Honey production is a growing industry in Nigeria, and beekeeping is a profitable venture that can be started in rural areas. The honey can be sold locally or exported to other regions.
5. Cassava farming: Cassava is a staple food in Nigeria, and it can be processed into various products such as gari, fufu, and tapioca. Rural areas have large tracts of land that can be utilized for cassava farming.
Education-based Business Ideas
6. Tutorial services: Rural areas lack adequate educational facilities, and this presents an opportunity for entrepreneurs to start tutorial services. Private coaching for students can be a profitable venture, especially during exam periods.
7. Computer training: Computer literacy is essential in today's world, and many people in rural areas lack this skill. Entrepreneurs can start computer training centers in rural areas to bridge this gap.
Healthcare-based Business Ideas
8. Pharmacy: Pharmacist is needed everywhere and rural area is not exceptional. Rural areas have a limited supply of medicines, and this presents an opportunity for entrepreneurs (pharmacist) to start pharmacies. The pharmacy can also offer basic medical consultations. You need to understand that anybody cannot just wake up and start a pharmacy, you are required to know about it and be licensed by the government.
9. Mobile clinics: If you are a medical doctor, you can start a mobile clinic in a rural area in Nigeria. Mobile clinics can be started in rural areas to provide medical services to people who lack access to healthcare facilities. This venture requires a significant capital investment, but it can be highly profitable in the long run.
Tourism-based Business Ideas
10. Tourist lodges: Rural areas in Nigeria have beautiful landscapes and tourist attractions that can be developed into tourist lodges. This venture requires a significant capital investment, but it can be highly profitable.
11. Cultural centers: Rural areas have a rich cultural heritage that can be showcased through cultural centers. These centers can provide information on local customs, traditions, and artifacts.
12. Adventure tourism: Rural areas in Nigeria have a variety of adventure sports that can be developed into tourist attractions. Kayaking, rock climbing, and camping are some of the activities that can be explored in this area.
Retail-based Business Ideas
13. Grocery store: Rural areas lack adequate grocery stores, and entrepreneurs can start grocery stores to cater to the needs of the local population.
14. Mobile shops: Mobile shops can be started in rural areas to provide necessities such as clothing, footwear, and household items. This venture requires a small capital investment and can be highly profitable.
Manufacturing-based Business Ideas
15. Soap making: Soap making is a low-cost manufacturing business that can be started in rural areas. The soap can be sold locally or exported to other regions. It can be solid or liquid soap. Whichever one you know how to do will give you money.
16. Palm oil production: Palm oil is a popular commodity in Nigeria, and rural areas are suitable for its production. The oil can be processed into various products such as soap, cooking oil, and margarine. Palm oil production is a capital-intensive business, but it can be highly profitable.
17. Shea butter production: Shea butter is a natural product that has numerous health benefits. The production of shea butter is a low-cost business that can be started in rural areas. The butter can be sold locally or exported to other regions.
18. Textile production: Nigeria has a vibrant textile industry, and rural areas provide a perfect opportunity for textile production. Cotton farming, spinning, and weaving are some of the activities that can be explored in this area.
19. Shoemaking: Shoemaking is a low-cost business that can be started in rural areas. The shoes can be made from locally sourced materials such as leather and rubber. The shoes can be sold locally or exported to other regions.
20. Furniture production: Furniture production is a capital-intensive business that can be started in rural areas. The furniture can be made from locally sourced materials such as wood and bamboo. The furniture can be sold locally or exported to other regions.
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Technology-based Business Ideas
21. Solar energy: Rural areas in Nigeria have limited access to electricity, and this presents an opportunity for entrepreneurs to start solar energy businesses. Solar panels can be installed in homes and businesses to provide electricity.
22. POS Business: POS Business is a growing industry in Nigeria, and rural areas provide a perfect opportunity for this venture. Entrepreneurs can start mobile banking also known as POS to provide financial services to people who lack access to banks.
Service-based Business Ideas
23. Laundry services: Rural areas lack adequate laundry services, and entrepreneurs can start laundry businesses to cater to the needs of the local population. The laundry services can also offer dry cleaning and ironing services.
24. Waste Collector: Waste management is another business opportunity in a rural area. You can start waste management businesses to provide services such as waste collection, disposal, and recycling.
Food-based Business Ideas
25. Restaurant: Rural areas have limited food options, and entrepreneurs can start restaurants to cater to the needs of the local population. The restaurant can offer local and international cuisine.
26. Bakery: Bakery products such as bread, cakes, and pastries are in high demand in Nigeria, and rural areas provide a perfect opportunity for this venture. The bakery products can be sold locally or exported to other regions.
27. Juice production: Juice production is a low-cost business that can be started in rural areas. The juice can be made from locally sourced fruits such as oranges, pineapples, and watermelons. The juice can be sold locally or exported to other regions.
Fashion-based Business Ideas
28. Tailoring: Tailoring is a low-cost business that can be started in rural areas. The clothes can be made from locally sourced materials such as cotton and silk. The clothes can be sold locally or exported to other regions.
29. Weaving: Weaving is a low-cost business that can be started in rural areas. The fabrics can be made from locally sourced materials such as cotton and wool. The fabrics can be sold locally or exported to other regions.
30. Jewelry making: Jewelry making is a low-cost business that can be started in rural areas. The jewelry can be made from locally sourced materials such as beads, stones, and metals. The jewelry can be sold locally or exported to other regions.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, starting a business in rural areas in Nigeria is an opportunity for anyone who wants to succeed as an entrepreneur. One of the reasons why businesses grow faster in a rural areas is because so many people don't have access to what you are selling before so, they won't hesitate to buy from you when you introduce your business.