eKichabi v2: Designing and Scaling Digital Information Systems in Sub-Saharan Africa
Abstract
This talk will discuss the development and deployment of technologies in rural and developing regions. Specifically, we’ll share challenges and insights from scaling a searchable agricultural-business directory to 9833 firms in 100 villages, based on the ~1-year USSD and Android deployment in rural Tanzania, known as eKichabi v2. We’ll emphasize key points regarding the utility of dual-platform technologies in the evolving mobile phone landscape, usage patterns across 1014 households, and how demographics and technology comfort influence the acceptance and impact of these technologies.
Resources for Attendees
Seminar Details
Presenter Bio
Alex Metzger is a UW Computer Science and Mathematics major with interests in violin, tennis, and machine learning. He’s currently interning at Gooey.AI doing AI work with Digital Green to help Agricultural Extension workers help farmers. He’s been part of the eKichabi project since last September - developing/maintaining the Django Server and Android integration, and co-first authoring the technical paper submitted to ACM CHI. He’s currently a technical consultant for the continuation of the project aimed at studying the economic impacts of the intervention.