Scholars, merchants and civil society: Imperative for waqf‐based participatory poverty alleviation initiatives in Kano, Nigeria

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to raise awareness of the role of Islamic endowments (awqaf) as viable mechanisms for financing poverty alleviation programmes and the value of the third sector in promoting public welfare.

Design/methodology/approach

Secondary sources provided the main data for the study. These were supplemented with personal discussions and observations. Narrative approach was used for analysis.

Findings

The lack of awareness about endowments (awqaf) is a barrier to harnessing their potentials in redressing socio‐economic inequities and enhancing the quality of life of the poor in Kano.

Social implications

Scholars, merchants and civil society organizations will be awakened to the need to cooperate in employing the institution of awqaf reducing poverty through the provision of quality education, better health care and employment opportunities. Government will be made aware of the need to explore non‐conventional methods in tackling poverty, recognize Islamic endowments (awqaf) as viable alternatives in financing community welfare programmes and provide all necessary policy support –legal/institutional/financial – for their smooth operation.

Originality/value

The worth of this paper lies in drawing the attention of stakeholders, like policy makers, and the general public to the contemporary relevance of, and demand for, Islamic endowments (awqaf) in solving many of the socio‐economic problems excluding the poor from leading a decent life.

Citation

Nuruddeen Muhammad, I. (2010), "Scholars, merchants and civil society: Imperative for waqf‐based participatory poverty alleviation initiatives in Kano, Nigeria", Humanomics, Vol. 26 No. 2, pp. 139-157. https://doi.org/10.1108/08288661011074936