A strategic initiative to revive agricultural endowments
In a historic step aimed at maximizing the developmental impact of endowment assets, the Scientific Committee of the "Endowment Farms" symposium in Madinah launched a comprehensive roadmap comprising a set of strategic recommendations. This roadmap targets the legislative and investment restructuring of agricultural endowments. Organized by the Islamic University in partnership with the Mohammed Ibrahim Al-Subaie Endowment, this initiative lays the foundation for transforming these farms from traditional assets into promising investment and tourism destinations, aligning with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030.
Historical context and importance of endowment farms
Agricultural endowments are an integral part of Islamic heritage, particularly in Medina, which has been renowned since the dawn of Islam as a fertile agricultural oasis, where palm groves and farms formed the backbone of its economic life. Many of the Prophet's companions and their followers endowed their farms as a perpetual source of good and public benefit. Over time, the management of these endowments has faced challenges that have hindered their optimal utilization, necessitating a modern vision to revitalize them and integrate them into the modern national economy.
Key recommendations towards effective governance
The committee prioritized a qualitative shift in the legislative and regulatory frameworks governing endowment farms to keep pace with modern economic changes. Recommendations emphasized the imperative of adopting rigorous financial and administrative governance models that guarantee the highest standards of efficiency and transparency. Experts also called for moving beyond traditional investment models by diversifying income sources and strengthening strategic partnerships between the endowment sector and the public and private sectors. The committee urged the utilization of scientific research outputs and smart agricultural technologies to increase productivity, asserting that innovation is the key to the sustainability of agricultural endowments.
Expected impact at the local and national levels
This initiative is expected to have a multifaceted positive impact. Locally in Medina, it will contribute to creating new job opportunities, revitalizing agricultural and ecotourism, and preserving the region's historical identity. Nationally, it directly supports the goals of Vision 2030, which aim to enhance the non-profit sector's contribution to GDP, achieve sustainable food security, and reduce reliance on imports. This step also serves as a model that can be implemented in other regions of the Kingdom rich in agricultural endowments.
Unified platforms and specialized guides
To unify efforts, the recommendations proposed establishing a comprehensive national platform to serve as a bridge connecting donors and trustees with research centers and investment sectors to launch joint projects. The committee also directed the development of specialized national guidelines for managing "endowment tourism farms," including innovative marketing mechanisms and precise indicators to measure the developmental impact of this new type of endowment investment, which combines financial returns with social impact.
