Impact of Charitable Giving (Sadaqah) Campaigns by Muslim Organisations on Poverty Reduction in Kebbi State

This study examines the impact of Sadaqah (voluntary charity) campaigns organised by Muslim organisations on poverty reduction in Kebbi State, North West Nigeria. Kebbi State ranks among the poorest states in Nigeria by multiple development indicators, and faith-based charitable activities represent a significant proportion of informal social protection in the region. The study adopts a descriptive survey design, using questionnaires administered to 240 beneficiaries and 20 Muslim organisation coordinators across Birnin Kebbi, Jega, and Zuru local government areas. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. Findings indicate that Sadaqah campaigns provide meaningful short-term relief in the areas of food security, healthcare costs, and educational expenses. However, their impact on sustained poverty reduction is limited by the absence of strategic targeting, lack of coordination among Muslim charitable bodies, and a predominance of one-off distributions over livelihood-building programmes. The study recommends a shift from welfare charity to developmental Sadaqah, the establishment of an inter-organisational Muslim charity coordination body in Kebbi State, and the integration of Islamic charity campaigns into the state's social protection framework. Keywords: Sadaqah, charitable giving, poverty reduction, Muslim organisations, Kebbi State.