DIPPER Lab, GRAIN explore extension of SIWA initiative to farmers with disabilities
The DIPPER Lab at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and the Gender and Responsible Artificial Intelligence Network (GRAIN) have explored the possibility of extending the SIWA initiative to farmers with disabilities as part of efforts to promote greater inclusion in digital agriculture.
The discussions took place during a collaborative meeting between researchers from DIPPER Lab and representatives of GRAIN and Artificial Intelligence for Development (AI4D) under the ObaaSIWA project.
The meeting formed part of ongoing efforts to develop the Gender Equality and Digital Inclusion (GEDI) Framework and strengthen inclusive digital agricultural solutions.
During the engagement, the team deliberated on strategies for expanding the reach of the SIWA initiative to include persons with disabilities engaged in farming. The discussions focused on ensuring that digital agricultural technologies and services are accessible to all farmers, regardless of physical ability.
Speaking at the meeting, Prof. Joel Nwakaire of GRAIN commended DIPPER Lab for the progress made in implementing the ObaaSIWA project and its commitment to responsible artificial intelligence.
“What I saw in that document is a hundred per cent reflection of what the DIPPER team is already doing. The multidisciplinary nature of the team is commendable, and I was excited to see how well the implementation process has progressed,” Prof. Nwakaire said.
Khanysa Eunice Mabyeka, Gender and Development Consultant, also underscored the need to address barriers that limit access to digital technologies among women farmers.
She noted that "increasing access to mobile phones for female farmers could significantly improve the uptake and use of the SIWA platform and other digital agricultural tools," she said.
Prof. Nwakaire further encouraged the project team to leverage existing farmer groups, associations and community networks to increase awareness and adoption of the digital tools being developed under the initiative.
The Scientific Director of DIPPER Lab, Prof. Eric Tutu Tchao, provided an overview of the SIWA initiative and outlined measures being implemented to promote inclusion within the project.
The collaboration forms part of ongoing efforts between DIPPER Lab and GRAIN to develop the Gender Equality and Digital Inclusion (GEDI) Framework and other tools that promote gender equality and responsible artificial intelligence across Africa.
Participants at the meeting included the Deputy Scientific Director of DIPPER Lab, Dr. Selasi Agbemenu; Gender and Inclusion Lead, Dr. Elikplim Abui Tamakloe; Administrator, Mrs. Christiana Selorm Aggor; Climate Change and Ecosystem Monitoring Lead, Dr. Enoch Bessah; Child Health and Innovation Lead, Dr. Prince Odame; and other researchers from the laboratory.
The ObaaSIWA project, which focuses on strengthening the inclusion of women farmers in digital agriculture, is funded under the EmpowerHerAI initiative.
