Beyond Relief: How Zakat–CSR Partnerships Build Resilient Water Safety Nets in Drought-Prone Communities.

Abstract

Access to clean water remains a critical challenge in drought-prone karst regions, where conventional social protection mechanisms often fail to address structural vulnerabilities. This study analyzes how zakat-CSR collaboration builds community-based water safety nets through a borewell program in Ngadipiro Lor hamlet, Gunungkidul District, Indonesia. Using a revelatory case study approach, it examines the mechanisms, impacts, and sustainability of the partnership between BAZNAS and PT Askrindo’s CSR in providing clean water infrastructure. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, field observations, and document analysis. Findings show that the program operates as transformative social protection by fulfilling the protective, preventive, promotive, and transformative functions of the TSP framework while strengthening community resilience across economic development, social capital, information and communication, and community competence. Seven sustainability factors were identified, including locally adapted technical design, affordable fees, accountable local institutions, ongoing mentorship, embedded social-religious values, multi-actor collaboration, and long-term community ownership. Overall, the study demonstrates that zakat-CSR partnerships can serve as effective transformative water safety nets that address immediate water shortages while building long-term resilience in drought-prone communities.