Alleviation of Poverty in Borno State: The Missing Link

Abstract

Poverty alleviation has become a top agenda of government and Non-Governmental organizations (NGO). Taking into cognizance its alarming rate, the Borno State Government cannot be an exception. Borno State government has been going round the clock in order to reduce this menace via its Federal Government programs, creating enabling environment, setting up local programs and schemes, creation of a Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and voting in resources. But, these measures have not been successful as the poverty level is still high. This creates a missing link. In this context, the Islamic social redistributive instruments such as Zakāt, Sadaqah, Waqf and Qard-e-Hasan loan are considered as the appropriate tools that can be used in alleviating poverty in the state. This is a state where about 98% of its population is Muslims. Some of these tools are considered as an act of ibadah and Allah (SWT) and His Messenger has enjoined his Ummah to practice it. This tool was also adopted by past prophets. Therefore, the study concludes that these are considered as the right peg in the right hole in alleviating poverty and it should be pursued alongside the existing and new government programs of alleviating poverty. The study suggests that the state government should set up Zakāt organization so as to incorporate other tools that will be independent and decentralized across the 27 LGA’s. These should be managed by the board that has participation of religious leaders and individuals with proven integrity and experience. Finally, it is also necessary to intensify efforts on advertisements.