Practical Insights on Generative AI

Generative Artificial Intelligence in international development

Generative AI in Development

Generative AI, an advanced segment of artificial intelligence technology, has the potential to significantly improve outcomes for humanitarian organizations. These organizations often operate in complex, resource-limited environments where rapid, informed decision-making can save lives and enhance the efficiency of aid distribution.

  • Generative AI can dramatically improve information management during crises to synthesize vast amounts of data—from satellite images to social media posts—into comprehensible reports that can guide response efforts.
  • Generative AI can optimize supply chains, predicting and responding to logistical challenges by generating alternative routes or solutions in real-time.
  • Generative AI also holds promise in the realm of personalized aid. By analyzing data on individual needs and circumstances, it can generate tailored assistance programs for refugees or personalized educational content for educators and students.
  • Generative AI can enhance engagement and fundraising efforts by creating personalized communications for donors and stakeholders, improving communication effectiveness and increasing donor retention and funding.

Generative AI must be used ethically to maintain transparency, consent, and privacy, especially considering the vulnerable populations involved. There must be rigorous standards and guidelines in place to govern the use of AI, ensuring that it serves as a tool for good without exacerbating existing inequalities or undermining human rights.

GenAI Insights in Development

Thankfully, as loyal ICTworks readers, you’ve been on the Generative AI journey for years now exploring how these tools can be used to advance international development objectives.

Please read our ongoing coverage of GenAI in development in these posts:

What Is the Future of Generative AI and MERL Tech in 2025?

What Is the Future of Generative AI and MERL Tech in 2025?

Published on: Dec 19 2024 by Linda Raftree - Leave a Comment
Ten years after the emergence of MERL Tech, I thought it might be fun to share some observations of the evolution of the space, from the early days when people...
Apply Now: $3 Million Internet Freedom Grants from US State Department

Apply Now: $3 Million Internet Freedom Grants from US State Department

Published on: Dec 16 2024 by Wayan Vota - Leave a Comment
The US Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) has the mission of promoting democracy and protecting human rights globally. DRL...
Needed: ChatGPT Prompt Training for Frontline Health Workers to Use GenAI

Needed: ChatGPT Prompt Training for Frontline Health Workers to Use GenAI

Published on: Dec 05 2024 by Wayan Vota - Leave a Comment
If you believe the GenAI hype, then you should not be surprised by the viral New York Time article, A.I. Chatbots Defeated Doctors at Diagnosing Illness, where...
Giving Thanks to ChatGPT: 4 Ways to Use GenAI Today in Digital Development

Giving Thanks to ChatGPT: 4 Ways to Use GenAI Today in Digital Development

Published on: Nov 28 2024 by Wayan Vota - Leave a Comment
There are many Generative AI tools that are revolutionizing digital development. A recent World Bank report found that ChatGPT is by far the most popular. USAID...
Climate Impact Is the Worst Reason to Say No to Generative AI

Climate Impact Is the Worst Reason to Say No to Generative AI

Published on: Nov 21 2024 by Wayan Vota - 7 Comments
I created a digital twin using Generative AI to test how well the technology can mimic human writing patterns. Spoiler alert: GenAI is not replacing me anytime...
Apply Now: $1,000,000 in Generative AI Grants from Facebook

Apply Now: $1,000,000 in Generative AI Grants from Facebook

Published on: Oct 28 2024 by Wayan Vota - 12 Comments
Recent breakthroughs in generative artificial intelligence have captured the public’s imagination and demonstrated what those developing these technologies have...
How to Advance Digital Rights and Regulatory Frameworks for USAID ADD RFP

How to Advance Digital Rights and Regulatory Frameworks for USAID ADD RFP

Published on: Oct 25 2024 by Wayan Vota - Leave a Comment
Today we are continuing our posts on using Generative AI to explore the Advancing Digital Democracy RFP. See past posts here, here, and here. We will now look at...
Generative AI Found 10 Innovative USAID Programs Advancing Digital Democracy

Generative AI Found 10 Innovative USAID Programs Advancing Digital Democracy

Published on: Oct 24 2024 by Wayan Vota - 2 Comments
Our recent posts on using Generative AI to explore the Advancing Digital Democracy RFP proved to be very popular. They broke many ICTworks email open rates and...
How to Apply: $95 Million USAID Advancing Digital Democracy Request for Proposals

How to Apply: $95 Million USAID Advancing Digital Democracy Request for Proposals

Published on: Oct 14 2024 by Wayan Vota - 3 Comments
Last week, I had ChatGPT explain what to expect in the $95 million USAID Advancing Digital Democracy Request for Proposal (RFP). Back then we only had the ADD Request...
Use ChatGPT Visual Skills to Improve USAID Nutrition Programs

Use ChatGPT Visual Skills to Improve USAID Nutrition Programs

Published on: Oct 11 2024 by Wayan Vota - Leave a Comment
Three years ago, I was asked to improve nutrition programming for a large USAID implementing partner. They were concerned about chronic malnutrition in target populations,...