In this episode, Elene is joined by Professor Jan Willem Swanepoel from the University of the Free State in South Africa. They discuss the issue of food security in rural and low-income regions and the challenges that persist, including economic instability, environmental pressure from industry and pollution, and climate change. They’ll also talk about the important work being done to understand and overcome these challenges by starting with academic and theoretical research and then turning findings into actionable solutions that have real-world impact. Resources &amp; Links Mentioned:<ul><li>Learn more about <a href="https://www.ufs.ac.za/natagri/departments-and-divisions/Sustainable-Food-Systems-and-Development">Sustainable Food Systems and Development </a>at University of the Free State</li></ul>Connect With Our Guest &amp; Host<ul><li>Connect with our guest <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jwswanepoel/">Jan Willem Swanepoel</a></li><li>Connect with our host<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenecloete/"> ⁠⁠Elene Cloete</a></li></ul>

Empathy as a Poverty Reduction Strategy

The Beyond Poverty Podcast brings together global experts, practitioners, and community leaders to explore lasting solutions to poverty. 

Host Elene Cloete, CEO of Outreach International, and her guests focus on community-led development—an approach that recognizes that the people closest to the challenges they face are the ones best positioned to define and solve them.

Through thoughtful conversations, the series examines the ideas, evidence, and lived experiences shaping development around the world, and highlights how communities are driving progress that lasts.