OPERATIONAL EVALUATION OF ZAKAT DISTRIBUTION FORMED IN THE MICRO-ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM in Sleman, Bantul, and Gunungkidul, 2013-2014 Case Study: SAKOFA Program of Dompet Dhuafa Yogyakarta

Abstract

Zakat microfinance is a strategic alternative to the limitation of zakat institution and microfinance institution in empowerment program. To make sure the zakat microfinance is on the track and to boost its performance and its benefit, evaluation is needed. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of productive zakat program formed in the micro-economic empowerment program named Sakofa (Madrasah Ekonomi Dhuafa) of Dompet Dhuafa Yogyakarta. Primary data were gathered from 30 respondents who are the beneficiaries of Sakofa Program 2013-2014. They are domiciled in Sleman, Bantul, and Gunungkidul. Analytical tools used to measure the monetary aspects were Headcount index, poverty gap index, poverty severity index, Watts Index, and measure of time to exit poverty. Saving behavior, philanthropy aspect, religiosity, and some entrepreneur aspects were measured to analyze the non-material aspects of mustahiq. The formal statistical test used was Wilcoxon Matched Pairs Test. The counseling effectiveness held by Dompet Dhuafa and BMT was analyzed simply using radar chart and phi coefficient. All the monetary aspects show betterment after Sakofa Program. The Headcount index decreased from 74 percent to 63 percent. Poverty gap decreased by 13 percent, poverty severity decreased by 14 percent, and the Watts index decreased by 17 percent. The average time taken to exit poverty with income growth rate at 0.32 decreased by 44 percent. Philanthropy aspect and saving behavior are better after Sakofa Program. Four of six mustahiqs who did not give infaq before Sakofa become munfiq after Sakofa Program. Unfortunately, mustahiqs were lack of discipline and desire to be independent. Coverage of target group was less than 100 percent: 74 percent. The misuse of zakat fund was only found in one mustahiq. The effectiveness of counseling material on spirituality is the lowest. Overall, Sakofa Program has a good performance. Most of respondents, as many as 65 percent, said that the benefit of Sakofa Program is very useful to their life. Moreover, 66 percent of respondents feel that Sakofa Program does takes part in improving their prosperity