The effectiveness of zakat in alleviating poverty and inequalities

Humanomics ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 314-329 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naziruddin Abdullah ◽  
Alias Mat Derus ◽  
Husam-Aldin Nizar Al-Malkawi
Keyword(s):  
Government Expenditure ◽  
Basic Needs ◽  
Poor People ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Muslim Countries ◽  
The Poor ◽  
Poor Households ◽  
Poverty And Inequality ◽  
Main Determinants

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of zakat (the Islamic tax) in alleviating poverty and inequality in Pakistan using a newly developed index, namely, the Basic Needs Deficiency Index (BNDI). Design/methodology/approach – The study formulates an index (BNDI) to measure the deficiency and effectiveness of zakat as one of the different items of government expenditure/spending to alleviate poverty. In this paper, Pakistan is chosen as a case study for two reasons: the availability and accessibility of data required for computing BNDI; and, in the past, no index such as this had been used to measure poverty in Pakistan. Findings – The results obtained from the computation of the BNDI have been able to explain the effectiveness of zakat in alleviating poverty and inequality in Pakistan. Practical implications – The findings of the study can be used by policymakers to measure and improve the effectiveness of zakat in reducing poverty and inequality. Social implications – As the ultimate beneficiaries of zakat are the poor people, the outcome of this study may help improve their quality of life. Originality/value – The paper develops a new methodology to measure poverty alleviation in Pakistan, focusing on the poor households’ consumption/expenditure on basic needs, government spending in terms of zakat and the number of zakat recipients as the three main determinants. The index developed in the present study can be applied to measure the performance of all Muslim countries whose provision of zakat is embedded in the national agenda to alleviate poverty.

Measuring Access of Microfinance on Poverty in India: Towards a Comprehensive Index

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Arindam Laha ◽  
Pravat Kumar Kuri
Keyword(s):  
Tamil Nadu ◽  
Andhra Pradesh ◽  
Composite Index ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Poor ◽  
Comprehensive Index ◽  
Poor Households ◽  
Cross Country ◽  
Economic Well Being

The outreach of micro-finance programme is considered to be a means enhance the economic well-being among the member means to enhance households through poverty alleviation. A wide cross-country variation in the outreach of micro-finance programme to the poor households is observed in the world. Despite the significant growth of micro-finance institutions and its active borrowers, the penetration of micro-finance lending services to the poor households in India is observed to be limited. In addition, there is a wide inter-state disparity in the achievement of micro-finance outreach in India especially among the poor households. A composite index has been constructed using the penetration, availability and usage indicators of micro-finance outreach to examine the interstate variations in the level of its achievement. Subsequently, attempt has been made to analyse the role of micro-finance in alleviating poverty across the states of India. The result shows that out of 27 states and Union Territories, only in seven states (Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Tripura, and Karnataka) outreach of micro-finance programme has made a significant impact on the reduction of poverty.

Revitalising Waqf (endowment) lands for agribusiness: potentials of the anchor company models

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Norfaridah Ali Azizan ◽  
Amirul Afif Muhamat ◽  
Sharifah Faigah Syed Alwi ◽  
Husniyati Ali ◽  
Amalia Qistina Casteneda Abdullah
Keyword(s):  
Household Income ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Islamic Law ◽  
Living Condition ◽  
Previous Literature ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Muslim Countries ◽  
The Right

PurposeWaqf (endowment) lands constitute as among the highest types of waqf (endowment) properties in Malaysia; yet it is still unable to reach its maximum potential due to various challenges such as capital, location, legal and administrative issues. Therefore, this study intends to explore these issues by focussing on the two states in Malaysia (Selangor and Perak) that have fertile lands but different management authorities.Design/methodology/approachThere were series of interviews that had been conducted with ten (10) key informants who are experts and practitioners in the areas of Shariah (Islamic law), farming, agribusiness, land management and waqf.FindingsFindings exhibit that constraints and challenges that had been highlighted in the previous literature still exist (although some improvements had been made), but there is emerging theme that the study intends to highlight which is on the needs to secure market for the agribusiness produce and the potential role of anchor company in the agribusiness. It is pertinent that for agribusiness to thrive, selecting the right anchor company that has the capacity to address the challenges is necessary. This study posits two anchor company models (Waqf Trustee-Anchor Company and Waqf Trustee-Anchor Company-Community Farmers) that can be applied for agribusiness on the waqf lands.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is based on the Malaysia's context influenced by specific country's features. Nevertheless, such findings can still be used as reference or benchmark by other endowment trustees in other countries especially for the Muslim countries as well as the non-Muslim countries that have significant Muslim populations.Social implicationsThe suggested models have potentials to improve the living condition of the B40 (below 40% household income) in Malaysia because the models encourage their participation in the agribusiness activities.Originality/valueThis study focusses on the agribusiness, which is rarely being given attention in previous literature in the context of endowment lands. Therefore, this article bridges the literature gap and at the same time attempts to provide suggestion to address the pertinent issue – the underutilised endowment lands.

scholarly journals EFEKTIVITAS ZAKAT DALAM MENGURANGI KEMISKINAN DI JAWA TIMUR MENGGUNAKAN TEKNIK BASIC NEEEDS DEFICIENCY INDEX (BNDI)

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 568
Author(s):  
Arum Fatmawati ◽  
Raditya Sukmana
Keyword(s):  
Research Method ◽  
Total Population ◽  
Basic Needs ◽  
Poverty Line ◽  
Qualitative Approach ◽  
Deficiency Index ◽  
Study Strategy ◽  
Poverty And Inequality

This research aims to test the role of zakat to reduce poverty in the East Java period 2015-2017 by using the index that was recently developed, Basic Needs Deficiency Index. The research method used is qualitative approach with case study strategy. This research formulated BNDI index to measure the deficiency and effectiveness of zakat in resolving poverty. Data required is the total population that its income was below the poverty line in every city of East Java, and also total zakat, which was distributed by BAZNAS East Java in every city of East Java. The results obtained from the BNDI calculation have been able to explain the effectiveness of zakat for reducing poverty and inequality in East Java. The result of calculation, which was a high value or approaching value 1, explains that zakat that was distributed by BAZNAS East Java is not effective in reducing poverty in East Java. Furthermore, the result of this research shows that some cities had the highest BNDI and lowest BNDI as well. Hopefully, this result could be considered to use by the policymaker to improve the effectiveness of zakat in reducing poverty.Keywords: Zakat, Poverty, Basic Needs Deficiency Index (BNDI)

Collective action among rural poor

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-43
Author(s):  
George Okello Candiya Bongomin ◽  
John C. Munene ◽  
Joseph Mpeera Ntayi ◽  
Charles Akol Malinga
Keyword(s):  
Collective Action ◽  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Financial Intermediation ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
The Poor ◽  
Bootstrap Approach ◽  
The Relationship

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to establish the mediating role of collective action in the relationship between financial intermediation and financial inclusion of the poor in rural Uganda.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses structural equation modeling (SEM) through bootstrap approach constructed using analysis of moment structures to test for the mediating role of collective action in the relationship between financial intermediation and financial inclusion of the poor in rural Uganda. Besides, the paper adopts Baron and Kenny’s (1986) approach to establish whether conditions for mediation by collective action exist.FindingsThe results revealed that collective action significantly mediates the relationship between financial intermediation and financial inclusion of the poor in rural Uganda. The findings further indicated that the mediated model had better model fit indices than the non-mediated model under SEM bootstrap. Furthermore, the results showed that both collective action and financial intermediation have significant and direct impacts on financial inclusion of the poor in rural Uganda. Therefore, the findings suggest that the presence of collective action boost financial intermediation for improved financial inclusion of the poor in rural Uganda.Research limitations/implicationsThe study used quantitative data collected through cross-sectional research design. Further studies through the use of interviews could be adopted in future. Methodologically, the study adopted use of SEM bootstrap approach to establish the mediating effect of collective action. However, it ignored the Sobel’s test and MedGraph methods. Future studies could adopt the use of alternative methods of Sobel’s test and MedGraph. Additionally, the study focused only on semi-formal financial institutions. Hence, further studies may consider the use of data collected from formal and informal institutions.Practical implicationsPolicy makers and managers of financial institutions should consider the role of collective action in promoting economic development, especially in developing countries. They should create structures and design financial services and products that promote collective action among the poor in rural Uganda.Originality/valueAlthough several scholars have articulated financial inclusion based on both the supply and demand side factors, this is the first study to test the mediating role of collective action in the relationship between financial intermediation and financial inclusion of the poor in rural Uganda using SEM bootstrap approach. Theoretically, the study combines the role of collective action with financial intermediation to promote financial inclusion. Financial intermediation theory ignores the role played by collective action in the intermediation process between the surplus and deficit units.

scholarly journals Unique aspects of the Islamic microfinance financing process

Humanomics ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 230-247 ◽  
Author(s):  
Permata Wulandari ◽  
Salina Kassim ◽  
Liyu Adhi Kasari Sulung ◽  
Niken Iwani Surya Putri
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Cultural Influences ◽  
Poor People ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Poor ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Depth Interview ◽  
Islamic Principle ◽  
Islamic Microfinance

Purpose This paper aims to highlight on the unique aspects of Islamic microfinance based on the experience of Baitul Maal Wa Tamwil (BMT) in Indonesia. Design/methodology/approach It adopts the content analysis approach and focuses on three phases of financing, namely, pre-financing, financing and post-financing using coding and model buildings. Data are collected through in-depth interview with a sample of representatives of BMTs that offer product based on Islamic principle for the poor located in Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tanggerang and Bekasi (JABODETABEK), Sulawesi Selatan, Yogyakarta and Nusa Tenggara Barat (sample chosen based on the most concentrated areas of Islamic microfinance that offered product based on Islamic principles). Ultimately, a model based on the unique features of Islamic microfinance will be developed based on the findings of the content analysis. Findings The proposed model incorporates the peculiarities of the poor people in pre-financing, financing and post-financing activities of micro-financing products to serve as a reference for policy makers. The paper also found that each region has unique product preferences depending on the poor’s characteristics. Research limitations/implications This study is only conducted in four areas with BMT representation, namely, Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, Bekasi (often abbreviated as JABODETABEK), Sulawesi Selatan, Yogyakarta and Nusa Tenggara Barat) in Indonesia. Despite the limited scope, the findings have wide applications to the Islamic microfinancing in general. Originality/value The paper adds value to the literature on Islamic microfinance by enabling researchers and practitioners to understand the model of three step financing (pre-financing, financing and post-financing) in Islamic microfinance in Indonesia. Although not a new issue, the paper provides the practice of pre-financing, financing and post-financing processes which may differ from the practices of Islamic microfinance in other settings because of different cultural influences unique to every region.

scholarly journals Microfinance Institutions in Yemen “Hurdles and Remedies”

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Saleh Alshebami ◽  
V. Rengarajan
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Poor People ◽  
Remedial Measures ◽  
Microfinance Institutions ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
The Poor ◽  
Physical Infrastructure ◽  
Banking Institutions

The objective of this paper is to investigate the different types of hurdles limiting the growth and development of microfinance institutions operating in Yemen, and to suggest relevant recommendations that be used as a backup in the process of taking remedial measures. The study is both descriptive and analytical in nature. The data collected is based on both primary and secondary sources. The primary data was collected during the field study of ongoing PhD research study on the role of microfinance in mitigating poverty and unemployment in Yemen conducted in October 2015 by Mr. Ali Alshebami. Only a sample of nine MFIs was selected from The MFIs operating in the market, as the remaining MFIs could not be easily reached due to the prevailing persistent internal war situation. A few of these hurdles include but not limited the existence of insufficient funds necessary for financial business and the availability of poor physical infrastructure in the rural areas. In addition, the shortage of qualified human resources, the poor diversification of products and services, the political instability of the country, the wrong perception about lending to the poor and many others. Among other remedial measures, investible funds and designing of integrated financial products with the inclusion of micro insurance are essential, these two vital ones along with including the financial linkages between MFIs and formal banking institutions should be adopted for more enhancement. The study confirms that there are several difficulties and challenges, which hinder the MFIs from progressing and achieving their mission in terms of outreach to the poor people.

scholarly journals Contesting digital finance for the poor

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 135-151 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peterson K. Ozili
Keyword(s):  
Discourse Analysis ◽  
Private Sector ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Socioeconomic Development ◽  
Policy Discourse ◽  
Poor People ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Development Finance ◽  
The Poor ◽  
Critical Policy

Purpose This paper aims to critically assess digital finance as a pro-poor intervention in the development finance space. Design/methodology/approach Using critical policy discourse analysis, this paper explains the turn from microfinance to digital finance, and thereafter discusses four issues: the lack of evidence that digital finance for poor people actually promotes socioeconomic development; the risks that poor people are exposed to, which arises from their exposure to digital finance technology; the lack of evidence that digital finance actually brings poor people immediate benefits; and the weak business rationale for digital finance. Findings The expectation for digital finance serving as a major pro-poor private sector intervention lacks justification. Originality/value The paper reflects on the effect of digital finance for poor people.

Role of Micro-Finance in Socio-Economic Development of Kathmandu, Nepal

Patan Pragya ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Dipak Bahadur Adhikari
Keyword(s):  
Economic Development ◽  
Small Business ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Poor People ◽  
Socio Economic Status ◽  
The Poor ◽  
Socio Economic Development

The focus of this paper is to analyze the role of micro-finance in socio-economic development of Kathmandu. Microfinance is a simple but effective credit tool that enables the most poor to pull themselves out of poverty. The socio-economic status of loanees has improved consequently than when they started small business with loan in the earlier days. Moreover, it was found that their socio-economic status was higher than that of non-loanees. Microcredit is an effective tool for raising the socio-economic status of the poor people, particularly the women.

Exploring the mediating role of social capital in the relationship between financial intermediation and financial inclusion in rural Uganda

2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (5) ◽  
pp. 829-847 ◽  
Author(s):  
George Okello Candiya Bongomin ◽  
John C. Munene ◽  
Joseph Mpeera Ntayi ◽  
Charles Akol Malinga
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Research Design ◽  
Financial Intermediation ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
The Poor ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to establish the mediating role of social capital in the relationship between financial intermediation and financial inclusion in rural Uganda. Design/methodology/approach The current study used cross-sectional research design and a semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data for this study. The study applied structural equation modeling through bootstrap approach in AMOS to establish the mediating role of social capital in the relationship between financial intermediation and financial inclusion. Findings The results indicated that social capital significantly mediates the relationship between financial intermediation and financial inclusion in rural Uganda. Therefore, it can be deduced that social capital among the poor play an important role in promoting financial intermediation for improved financial inclusion in rural Uganda. Research limitations/implications Although the sample was large, it may not be generalized to other segments of the population. Data were collected from only poor households located in rural Uganda. Besides, the study was cross-sectional, thus, limiting efforts in investigating certain characteristics of the sample over time. Perhaps future studies could adopt the use of longitudinal research design. Practical implications Financial institutions such as banks should rely on social capital as a substitute for physical collateral in order to promote financial inclusion, especially among the poor in rural Uganda. Originality/value This study provides empirical evidence on phenomenon not studied in rural areas in Sub-Saharan Africa where the poor use social capital embedded in customs and norms for doing business. The results highlight the importance of social capital in mediating the relationship between financial intermediation and financial inclusion of the poor in rural Uganda.

Religion’s role in US foreign policy to grow

2018 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Human Rights ◽  
Foreign Policy ◽  
Religious Freedom ◽  
Religion And Politics ◽  
Us Foreign Policy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Religious Persecution ◽  
Muslim Countries ◽  
Trump Administration

Significance Any Trump-Rouhani meeting would undoubtedly involve discussion of religion and politics, since these issues have set both governments at odds since the Iranian Islamic revolution in 1979. This is important, since the nature of the influence that religion is having on US foreign policy is changing under Trump’s administration. The administration has often downplayed the role of ‘values’ (understood to be the promotion of democracy and human rights) in foreign policy. Now, religious freedom is emerging as a values framework. Religion is also used more frequently to justify the administration’s policies towards complicated issues including Iran and Syria, and counterterrorism. Impacts Defense Secretary James Mattis would likely oppose any attempt at regime change in Iran. Emphasising religious freedom will play well to pro-evangelical voters, likely most benefitting Republicans. The administration will increase funding for anti-genocide and anti-religious-persecution measures. Perceptions that the Trump administration is ‘anti-Muslim’ could constrain it advancing foreign policy in Muslim countries. US sanctions could be imposed on religious grounds, which could affect US and other investors.

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