Examining the Role of Sufi Orders in Community Development in Sokoto State

This study examines the role of Sufi orders, particularly the Tijaniyya and Qadiriyya brotherhoods, in community development activities in Sokoto State, North West Nigeria. Sufism has deep historical roots in the Sokoto Caliphate tradition, and Sufi orders continue to wield significant social influence in the region. The study adopts a descriptive survey design with questionnaires and interview guides administered to 200 members of Sufi orders and 20 community development coordinators affiliated with these organisations across Sokoto, Wamako, and Isa local government areas. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Findings reveal that Sufi orders contribute to community development through educational foundations, poverty relief, health outreach, and conflict mediation. However, their impact is constrained by limited documentation of activities, a reluctance to engage with formal government funding channels, and inter-order rivalries that occasionally hinder coordinated community efforts. The study recommends greater institutional collaboration between Sufi orders and state development agencies, documentation and impact evaluation of their social programmes, and training of Sufi leaders in community development project management. These findings contribute to the understanding of religious civil society and faith-based development in northern Nigeria. Keywords: Sufi orders, Tijaniyya, Qadiriyya, community development, Sokoto State.