Charity, ONG-Ization and Emergent Ethics of Volunteerism: The Case of Islamic NGOs in Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract

Drawing on ethnographic field research conducted in the cities of Bouaké and Abidjan in Côte d’Ivoire between 2011 and 2017, this chapter examines the recent growth and institutionalization of Islamic voluntary, humanitarian and charity actions. The past two decades have been marked by the multiplication of formal and legally recognized Islamic NGOs in the country. The chapter focuses on the transformation of Islamic charity work and the emergent ethics of volunteerism that stems out of the institutionalization of Islamic charity. Contemporary Ivorian Islamic NGOs adhere to an ethic of volunteerism that builds on older-standing Islamic charitable principles based on personal zakât and sadaqqa donations. The emergent ethics of volunteerism emphasizes values of self-responsibilization, individual accountability and long-term development that converge with neoliberal development logics and prioritize private entrepreneurship while transferring responsibilities for humanitarian assistance to communities and individuals.