Empowering Food Security Through Waqf

Food security remains a critical global challenge, requiring innovative financial and agricultural strategies to ensure sustainable food production. Waqf, an Islamic endowment, has emerged as a viable mechanism to support food security through sustainable agricultural practices. However, limited research has explored the mediating role of sustainable agricultural practices in strengthening the relationship between waqf initiatives and food security. This study aims to bridge this gap by examining how waqf-based financing supports sustainable farming methods, thereby enhancing food availability, economic resilience, and environmental sustainability. Utilizing a narrative review methodology, relevant literature was sourced from the Scopus database, and an integrative thematic analysis approach was employed to synthesize key themes and concepts. Findings indicate that waqf-funded agricultural projects contribute significantly to sustainable food production by facilitating financial support, enabling technological adoption, and promoting environmentally friendly farming techniques. Additionally, sustainable agricultural practices mediate the impact of waqf initiatives by improving soil health, reducing ecological degradation, and ensuring long-term agricultural productivity. The study provides theoretical insights into the intersection of Islamic philanthropy and sustainable development, while also offering practical implications for policymakers, waqf administrators, and agricultural stakeholders seeking to integrate waqf into food security policies. Despite its contributions, the study acknowledges limitations, including a reliance on secondary data and the need for empirical validation. Future research should focus on comparative case studies, policy evaluations, and quantitative assessments to strengthen the understanding of how waqf-based agricultural initiatives can be optimized for global food security.