Building the Capabilities of Agricultural Asnaf Entrepreneurs through Practical Training and Mentor-Mentee Arrangements: Evidence from Zakat-Based Agricultural Programmes in Malaysia

Zakat-based entrepreneurship programmes commonly provide capital, equipment and training to asnaf, yet the provision of these inputs alone does not explain how participants build the capability to manage agricultural enterprises independently. This study analyses the mechanisms of practical training and mentor-mentee arrangements in building the capabilities of agricultural asnaf entrepreneurs in Malaysia. The study adopts a qualitative approach based on a multi-site case study. Primary data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with 21 informants comprising officers from Islamic religious and zakat institutions, participants or operators, and representatives of Islamic financial institutions, cooperatives and agricultural agencies. The data were also supported by analysis of programme documents and official documents related to agriculture. Thematic analysis focused on learning experiences, technical guidance, farm operations, entrepreneurship, markets, technology and graduation. The findings show six interrelated mechanisms: early exposure, commodity-specific technical training, direct involvement throughout the production cycle, guidance from mentors and anchor firms, business and market learning, and a gradual transition towards more independent operations. Capability develops when participants perform actual tasks, receive feedback when problems arise and repeat the production process across several seasons. Mentors transfer knowledge, provide technical guidance, serve as entrepreneurial role models and connect participants with markets. Based on cross-case patterns, the study proposes an Agricultural Asnaf Entrepreneur Capability-Building Pathway that links exposure, operational mastery, entrepreneurial decision-making capability and graduation readiness. The study contributes by explaining training as a medium-term development process embedded in enterprise operations rather than a one-off course. The implication is that zakat institutions need to align training with commodity cycles, clarify the role of mentors, transfer responsibilities progressively and assess graduation on the basis of technical, commercial and independent decision-making capabilities.

agricultural asnaf, practical training, mentor-mentee, productive zakat, capability building

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