Leveraging Waqf Land for Enhancing Food Security Initiatives: Best Practices and Strategic Recommendations

Malaysia's growing population of 33.7 million in 2023 highlights the pressing need for robust food security measures. However, the country's reliance on food imports, resulting in RM31 billion trade deficit in 2022, underscores challenges in achieving self-sufficiency. Concurrently, waqf, an Islamic endowment, offers untapped potential for societal benefit. Unfortunately, mismanagement and resource gaps have left many waqf lands idle. This study investigates global best practices to optimize waqf lands for enhancing food security in Malaysia. Using a qualitative approach, the research analyzes legal frameworks, reported cases, interviews, and administrative data. It explores innovative strategies such as legal reforms, Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), cash waqf, corporate waqf, and modern agricultural technologies like GIS and precision farming. Aligning with policies like the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030, the study provides actionable recommendations for sustainable agriculture and community welfare. The findings aim to guide legal reforms, governance strategies, and innovative practices to ensure a secure, sustainable food supply, leveraging waqf for national benefit