Artificial Intelligence- Developments in the Global South

by: Agak R. R. Scott

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a rapidly evolving field, and it is being developed and utilized in different parts of the world, including the Global South. In recent years, there have been many exciting developments in AI in the Global South that are worth discussing. This article will provide an overview of some of the recent AI developments in the Global South.

Firstly, it is worth noting that the Global South is a diverse and complex region, consisting of many countries that differ in terms of their economic, social, and political contexts. While some countries in the Global South are emerging economies with rapidly growing tech industries, others face significant economic and social challenges that limit their ability to invest in cutting-edge AI research and development. Nevertheless, AI is becoming increasingly important in many parts of the Global South, and there are several examples of innovative AI initiatives in the region.

One example of a promising AI initiative in the Global South is the development of chatbots for healthcare. In many countries in the Global South, there is a shortage of healthcare workers, and people living in rural or remote areas often have limited access to medical facilities. Chatbots are a type of AI-powered software that can interact with users in natural language, and they are being developed to provide basic medical advice and information to people in these underserved areas. For example, in India, the startup Mfine has developed a chatbot called "Dr. AI" that can diagnose common medical conditions and suggest appropriate treatments.

Another example of a promising AI initiative in the Global South is the development of AI-powered agricultural technologies. Agriculture is a vital sector in many countries in the Global South, but small-scale farmers often face significant challenges such as poor soil quality, limited access to resources, and climate change. AI can help address some of these challenges by providing farmers with data-driven insights and recommendations. For example, in Kenya, the startup Farm.ink has developed an AI-powered chatbot called "Africa Farmers Club" that provides farmers with information on weather patterns, crop management techniques, and market prices.

In addition to these specific initiatives, there are also broader efforts to promote AI research and development in the Global South. For example, in 2018, the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) launched the Next Einstein Forum (NEF), which aims to promote scientific excellence and innovation in Africa. As part of this initiative, the NEF has established an AI research program that provides funding and support to African researchers working in AI.

However, there are also challenges to the development of AI in the Global South. One significant challenge is the lack of data. Many AI applications rely on large amounts of high-quality data to train their algorithms, but in many parts of the Global South, there is a lack of data due to factors such as poor infrastructure and limited internet connectivity. Additionally, there are concerns about the potential for AI to exacerbate existing social and economic inequalities in the Global South, particularly if AI is developed primarily by and for elites.

In conclusion, AI is becoming increasingly important in the Global South, and there are many promising initiatives and efforts underway to promote AI research and development in the region. However, there are also significant challenges to the development of AI in the Global South, including the lack of data and the potential for AI to exacerbate existing inequalities. As such, it is essential to ensure that AI development in the Global South is inclusive, equitable, and benefits all members of society.

References 

1. Patil, R. (2021). AI for Good: Emerging technologies and their potential in the Global South. World Bank Group. https://blogs.worldbank.org/digital-development/ai-good-emerging-technologies-and-their-potential-global-south

2. AIMS Next Einstein Forum. (n.d.). AI research program. https://nef.org/ai-research-program/

3. The Lancet Digital Health. (2019). Chatbots in health care: Promising, but challenges remain. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/landig/article/PIIS2589-7500(19)30125-1/fulltext

4. CNN Business. (2019). This AI-powered chatbot is helping farmers grow better crops. https://www.cnn.com/2019/09/30/business/farm-ink-ai-chatbot-farmers-kenya/index.html

5. Business Today. (2021). Mfine's chatbot, Dr. AI, aims to democratize healthcare access in India. https://www.businesstoday.in/technology/news/mfine-chatbot-dr-ai-aims-to-democratize-healthcare-access-in-india/story/430005.html