Wonosari, Gunungkidul — Amid the cool hills of Wunung, the local community is experiencing positive transformation through the establishment of the Avocado Zakat Village. Initiated by the Lembaga Manajemen Infaq (LMI) in 2022, the program has gradually fostered changes in community mindset and enthusiasm in managing local village potential. The visit of students from the Master’s Program in Islamic Economics (MES) of UIN Sunan Kalijaga on Monday, November 24, 2025, contributed further momentum to this ongoing empowerment initiative.

The student delegation, accompanied by Dr. Ibi Satibi, S.H.I., M.Si., consisted of Bayu Setiaji Muslih, S.T.; Fauzia Kamila Hayati, S.E.; Aisyah Futri Utami Daulay, S.E.; Muhammad Iqbal Mahdi, S.Ag.; Fitria Nur Farida, S.E.; and Muhammad Nurrosid, S.E. Upon arrival, they were welcomed by Sudarto, Head of Wunung Village, together with Kusyanto, a representative of LMI who currently serves as the secretary of the Zakat Village.

The visit began with the symbolic handover of high-quality avocado seedlings to the Zakat Village management as support for increasing agricultural productivity. The delegation then visited the avocado cultivation area, which currently comprises approximately 150–200 trees representing 18 different avocado varieties. During the visit, students engaged in dialogue with local farmers regarding cultivation techniques, field challenges, and harvesting strategies.

Beyond cultivation, the Wunung community has also begun developing derivative products, including natural dyes made from avocado peels, avocado tea, and plans for further product diversification. These innovations are expected to enhance product value and expand market opportunities.

During an open discussion session, the Head of Wunung Village expressed the community’s strong expectations regarding the sustainability of the program. He emphasized that the Zakat Village initiative is expected to serve as a driver of the local economy, providing not merely short-term assistance but long-term and meaningful impact on community livelihoods.

The MES students’ visit was not limited to the distribution of assistance but also incorporated educational elements through discussions on business management, market potential mapping, sustainability assessment, and opportunities for further research to support the development of villages based on productive zakat.

For the local community, the students’ presence represented both concern and renewed motivation. For the students themselves, the Zakat Village functioned as a living laboratory, enabling them to connect the principles of Islamic economics with direct community empowerment practices.