Advancing Sustainable Agricultural Practices in Africa with AI – Microsoft

Report on Dr. Jacki O’Neill and Microsoft Research Africa’s Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction to Dr. Jacki O’Neill

Dr. Jacki O’Neill serves as the founding Lab Director of Microsoft Research Africa, Nairobi (formerly MARI). She is dedicated to designing technologies that enhance human agency, improve working conditions, and contribute to sustainable futures. Her leadership at Microsoft Research Africa exemplifies a commitment to addressing local challenges with global impact through a multidisciplinary approach that integrates research, engineering, and design.

Microsoft Research Africa’s Ambitious Research Agenda

Microsoft Research Africa (MSR Africa) is focused on advancing Globally Equitable Generative AI. This initiative aligns closely with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – by improving technologies for work and labor platforms.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – through foundational innovations in Natural Language Processing (NLP) and African languages.
3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – by developing AI tools for global healthcare improvements.
4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – by creating culturally and linguistically sensitive AI tools that serve diverse populations.

Key Research Focus Areas

• Culturally and Linguistically Sensitive AI Tools: Developing AI platforms that respect and incorporate African languages and cultural contexts to promote inclusivity and accessibility.
• Resource-Constrained Computing: Innovating AI models that operate efficiently in environments with limited computational resources, supporting equitable technology access.
• Generative Models and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI): Enhancing user experience and interaction with AI to support better work environments and societal benefits.

Dr. Jacki O’Neill’s Contributions and Impact

As an ethnographer and socio-technical researcher, Dr. O’Neill’s work primarily targets the improvement of work through technology, directly supporting SDG 8. Her leadership in projects related to AI, the future of work, labor platforms, gig economy, financial inclusion, and global healthcare demonstrates a broad commitment to sustainable development. Highlights of her contributions include:

• Authoring over 50 peer-reviewed articles.
• Receiving two innovation awards and holding 16 patents.
• Serving as a British Computer Society fellow.
• Active participation in major international conferences such as CHI, CSCW, ICTD, and ECSCW.

Conclusion

Dr. Jacki O’Neill and Microsoft Research Africa exemplify the integration of advanced technology development with the Sustainable Development Goals. Their work in creating equitable AI solutions not only fosters innovation but also promotes inclusive growth, improved health, and reduced inequalities across Africa and globally.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The article discusses improving working life and making work better, including research on new labour platforms and gig work.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Focus on building innovative AI technologies, resource-constrained computing, and generative models.
3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Research includes global healthcare applications of AI technologies.
4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Efforts to build culturally and linguistically sensitive AI tools for African languages promote inclusion and equity.
5. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Development of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and NLP technologies can enhance access to education and knowledge.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation.
   • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade technological capabilities of industrial sectors.
   • Target 9.c: Increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet.
3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including access to quality essential health-care services.
4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all.
5. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.4: Increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. For SDG 8
   • Indicator 8.5.2: Unemployment rate, by sex, age and persons with disabilities.
   • Indicator 8.3.1: Proportion of informal employment in non-agriculture employment.
2. For SDG 9
   • Indicator 9.5.1: Research and development expenditure as a proportion of GDP.
   • Indicator 9.c.1: Proportion of population covered by a mobile network, by technology.
3. For SDG 3
   • Indicator 3.8.1: Coverage of essential health services.
4. For SDG 10
   • Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50% of median income, by age, sex and persons with disabilities.
5. For SDG 4
   • Indicator 4.4.1: Proportion of youth and adults with information and communications technology (ICT) skills.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: microsoft.com