Harnessing zakat and waqf for sustainable food security: A systematic literature review on ummah-based solutions to global food insecurity

Abstract

Global food insecurity continues to affect more than 700 million people worldwide, with vulnerable Muslim populations in low-income and conflict-affected regions experiencing a disproportionate burden. This study examines the strategic potential of zakat and waqf—core instruments of Islamic social finance—in mitigating food insecurity and advancing sustainable development. Employing a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) guided by the PRISMA framework, the study systematically screened and analysed scholarly publications from 2021 to 2025. Based on clearly defined inclusion criteria (such as empirical studies and zakat- and waqf-based food security initiatives) and exclusion criteria (including non-zakat/waqf studies, duplicate records, and non-English publications), 25 relevant articles were identified from Google Scholar, Emerald, and Springer databases. The findings indicate that zakat, when supported by sound governance, digitalisation, and active stakeholder engagement, demonstrates strong potential in financing food aid, agricultural inputs, nutritional programmes, and sustainable food security initiatives. Evidence from countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia highlights successful implementation models where zakat has contributed to poverty alleviation and hunger reduction. The study concludes with policy-oriented recommendations, particularly for African countries where the application of Islamic social finance remains limited, emphasising the need for institutional integration, transparency, and innovation to enhance the contribution of zakat institutions towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger).