Somewhere on Earth: The Global Tech Podcast

Can ‘small’ AI have a huge impact in sub Saharan Africa?

May 07, 2024 Somewhere on Earth Episode 31
Can ‘small’ AI have a huge impact in sub Saharan Africa?
Somewhere on Earth: The Global Tech Podcast
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Somewhere on Earth: The Global Tech Podcast
Can ‘small’ AI have a huge impact in sub Saharan Africa?
May 07, 2024 Episode 31
Somewhere on Earth

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Can ‘small’ AI have a huge impact in sub Saharan Africa?
Artificial intelligence is usually fed with large datasets allowing the technology to create what should be well balanced algorithms – but what happens when large data sets aren’t available or the impact of the AI could have a very significant impact on people’s lives? Researchers at Tufts University in the United States have started a program focusing on what they refer to as "small" AI - applications that have significantly positive impacts on individual lives and livelihoods. These applications are specifically designed, using models that have been trained on specialised datasets. Bhaskar Chakravorti, Dean of Global Business at the Fletcher School at Tufts and Abidemi Adisa, the author of the report, explain how farmers in Kenya can benefit significantly from AI. 

Recycling e-waste in Kenya
A UN report recently said electronic waste is rising five times faster than documented e-waste recycling. In 2022, the waste was up over eighty per cent from 2010 and on track to rise by a third by the year 2030. We looked at the problem in Brazil a while back, but Africa has a growing e-waste problem too – and the stuff isn’t recycled in the same way as in developed countries. But could a recycling plant in Nairobi be helping – studio expert Wairimu Gitahi has more. 

The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Wairimu Gitahi.   

More on this week's stories
:
Improving the lives of smallholders in rural Kenya with AI
WEEE Centre, Nairobi

Everyday AI: Your daily guide to grown with Generative AI
Can't keep up with AI? We've got you. Everyday AI helps you keep up and get ahead.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the Show.

Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz
Production Manager: Liz Tuohy
Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner

For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link:
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If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts

Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co
Send us a voice note
: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484

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Send us a Text Message.

Can ‘small’ AI have a huge impact in sub Saharan Africa?
Artificial intelligence is usually fed with large datasets allowing the technology to create what should be well balanced algorithms – but what happens when large data sets aren’t available or the impact of the AI could have a very significant impact on people’s lives? Researchers at Tufts University in the United States have started a program focusing on what they refer to as "small" AI - applications that have significantly positive impacts on individual lives and livelihoods. These applications are specifically designed, using models that have been trained on specialised datasets. Bhaskar Chakravorti, Dean of Global Business at the Fletcher School at Tufts and Abidemi Adisa, the author of the report, explain how farmers in Kenya can benefit significantly from AI. 

Recycling e-waste in Kenya
A UN report recently said electronic waste is rising five times faster than documented e-waste recycling. In 2022, the waste was up over eighty per cent from 2010 and on track to rise by a third by the year 2030. We looked at the problem in Brazil a while back, but Africa has a growing e-waste problem too – and the stuff isn’t recycled in the same way as in developed countries. But could a recycling plant in Nairobi be helping – studio expert Wairimu Gitahi has more. 

The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Wairimu Gitahi.   

More on this week's stories
:
Improving the lives of smallholders in rural Kenya with AI
WEEE Centre, Nairobi

Everyday AI: Your daily guide to grown with Generative AI
Can't keep up with AI? We've got you. Everyday AI helps you keep up and get ahead.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the Show.

Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz
Production Manager: Liz Tuohy
Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner

For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/new

Follow us on all the socials:

If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts

Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co
Send us a voice note
: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484

Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World

(Cont.) Can ‘small’ AI have a huge impact in sub Saharan Africa?