Communiversity synergised academic activities towards sustainable “green” for urban poverty eradication and social well-being

Background: The AbdulHamid AbuSulayman Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences (AHAS KIRKHS) has initiated a community-synergised academic activities programme at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). This programme integrates an academic course from the Department of Sociology and Anthropology (SOCA) with the needs of the Kampung Kerdas community. SOCA academics and students are engaged in an ongoing fertigation community garden project in Kampung Kerdas, Gombak, Selangor Darul Ehsan. While the project aims to incorporate sustainable, eco-friendly practices into the community’s daily routines, address urban poverty, and enhance social well-being, it also benefits SOCA students and academics by providing a practical training platform. Method: The study employs qualitative research methods to explore the community’s involvement in urban gardening as a means of empowerment. Through narrative analysis, the researchers examine stories to identify key themes such as empowerment, leadership, and environmental stewardship. The study also utilises in-depth interviews and participatory observation to gain insights into urban gardening initiatives' personal experiences, challenges, and benefits. Results: Through community-driven initiatives and educational workshops, the project promotes environmental sustainability, economic empowerment, and social cohesion among community members. Simultaneously, by directly engaging with community members, SOCA students and academics also gain benefits, enabling them to apply their theoretical and empirical understanding from the course Work and Social Organisations in practice. Recommendation: Enhance collaboration between academia and the community by broadening hands-on, sustainable initiatives that empower residents while enriching students’ practical knowledge and sense of social responsibility. Conclusion: The project has created a sustainable model for urban poverty eradication and holistic community development by leveraging academic expertise and community participation among SOCA students and academics at AHAS KIRKHS, IIUM. Keywords: Communiversity; Community empowerment; Fertigation; Sustainable “Green