We need to transform our food systems to effectively tackle the climate and biodiversity crises, and we need a range of tools to pull it off.
Many experts believe artificial intelligence (AI) can be part of this transformation and a useful resource for restoring ecosystems – and we’re are already seeing some successful examples in Africa. However, this new technology also comes with its own set of challenges, including energy use, data privacy and the ethics of machine learning.
In this GLF Live, we will explore whether AI is a valuable tool or distracting novelty along with some of the governance and ethical issues of using this powerful new tech in landscape restoration and food system transformation.
Join us on 27 August at 16:00 UTC for this GLF Live with Tlamelo Tamaki Makati, a PhD researcher working on inclusive AI, Isaac Rutenberg, an intellectual property advisor at CIFOR-ICRAF, and Nchimunya Munyama, CEO of Netagrow.
Tlamelo Tamaki Makati is a PhD researcher working on inclusive AI. Her current project looks at the impact of AI and machine learning in the digital accessibility landscape. She is a research lead with AntonTech, an agri-tech start-up that uses machine learning, deep learning, and drones to address agricultural problems within Africa and the world. Tlamelo is also a certified mechatronics engineer and drone pilot.
Isaac Rutenberg is an intellectual property advisor and leads a research program at the intersection of artificial intelligence, agriculture, and climate change at CIFOR-ICRAF, a globally leading institution in agroforestry. He is also an associate professor of ICT Policy and Innovation at Strathmore University in Nairobi, Kenya, where he founded the Center for Intellectual Property and Information Technology Law (CIPIT). His academic research covers data governance, AI and contextualized innovation. He is registered to practice law in California and is a patent agent in the U.S. and Kenya. He holds a JD (law degree) and a PhD in chemistry.
Nchimunya Munyama is the CEO of Netagrow, a startup in Zambia for the agriculture industry, offering an innovative all-in-one solution for crop growing. By leveraging the power of AI and the internet of things (IoT), Netagrow helps farmers make smarter decisions about their farms, optimize their operations, and increase their productivity and profitability. Munyama is also the co-founder of Passion for Greens, a non-governmental organization focused on environmental protection and sustainability. His work in various NGOs and as a key member of an African Ubuntu chapter team has earned him recognition for developing innovative solutions to address critical issues in his community. He holds a bachelor’s degree in forestry and an international diploma in applicable agriculture and BSc in computer science. Nchimunya is currently pursuing a master’s degree in management information systems.
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