Public Program Evaluation of Productive Zakat in Encouraging Mustahiq Economic Independence

Abstract

Productive zakat is one of the social policy instruments that has a strategic role in efforts to alleviate poverty and empower the community's economy. In the context of public administration, productive zakat is not only seen as a religious obligation, but also as a public program that requires systematic management, implementation, and evaluation. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the productive zakat program in encouraging mustahiq economic independence at the National Amil Zakat Agency (BAZNAS) of South Sumatra Province. This study uses a qualitative approach with a descriptive method. Data was obtained through in-depth interviews, observations, and documentation of BAZNAS leaders, distribution and utilization staff, zakat collection units, and mustahiq productive zakat recipients. Program effectiveness analysis is carried out using a source, process, and goal approach. The results of the study show that the productive zakat program has been running quite effectively in improving the welfare and economic independence of mustahiq, but still faces obstacles in the form of limited human resources and low understanding of mustahiq on the concept of productive zakat. This study recommends strengthening institutional capacity and business assistance as a strategy to increase the effectiveness of the productive zakat program.