Harnessing AI, the Internet, Web3 and Blockchain to Power Innovation in Kwame Ntow, Ghana: A Pilot Project.

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Afia Owusu

[GENERAL] Email address of main applicant

afia@wada.com

Additional applicants

Ezekiel Donkor -

Prof. Erasmus Owusu

Team Wada

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

12

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language.

No

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

No

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.” .

No dependencies

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

Yes

[GENERAL] If NO, please describe which outputs are not going to be open source. If YES, please write “Project will be fully open source.”

Project will be fully open source

[METADATA] Category of Proposal

Regional Expansion

[METADATA] SDG rating

SDG 1 - End poverty in all its forms everywhere

SDG 2 - End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture

SDG 3 - Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages

SDG 4 - Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

SDG 7 - Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all

SDG 8 - Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all

SDG 10 - Reduce inequality within and among countries

SDG 12 - Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable

[IMPACT] Please describe your proposed solution.

This pilot project in Kwame Ntow uses Web3, blockchain, and AI to address local challenges. A solar farm, managed by blockchain-based smart contracts, will provide consistent electricity and internet connectivity, promoting digital inclusive and opportunities for education and innovation.

The project represents a significant step towards a sustainable, digitally inclusive future. It combines blockchain-managed solar energy, decentralized internet, localized AI solutions, and comprehensive education programs to foster socioeconomic growth and create a replicable model for under-resourced regions. The project envisions a future where Web3, blockchain, AI, and the internet converge to drive innovation, prosperity, and well-being.

• Develop AI models tailored to the community's socioeconomic challenge

• The project will include comprehensive education and training programs in blockchain, and Web3 technologies

• It will serve as a template model for addressing digital inclusive, renewable energy integration, and sustainable development in under-resourced regions around the world

• The initiative aligns with several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including those related to clean energy, innovation, education, health, and sustainable communities

[IMPACT] How does your proposed solution address the challenge and what benefits will this bring to the Cardano ecosystem?

The solution integrates Web3, blockchain, AI, and renewable energy to address internet access issues, bringing benefits to the community and showcasing Cardano's impact. The proposal drives innovation and contributes to a sustainable, inclusive future.

• The project uses Web3 and Cardano blockchain to improve access to internet and AI in Kwame Ntow, Ghana.

• The 9-acre solar farm will provide reliable electricity. Sustainable energy and blockchain-based smart contracts align with Cardano's sustainability goals. The Solar infrastructure enables stable internet, allowing access to online resources, e-commerce, and global market connections.

• AI models built on blockchain address community's socio-economic challenges in healthcare, agriculture, education, and business development. The solution will showcase Cardano's scalability and adaptability, demonstrating potential for innovation, community empowerment, and sustainable ecosystems.

 

[IMPACT] How do you intend to measure the success of your project?

• Measurement of the increase in the community's access to stable electricity and reliable internet connectivity.

• Tracking and evaluation of the number of AI-driven solutions implemented in healthcare, agriculture, education, and small businesses. Assessment of positive changes in these areas coupled with economic growth within the community.

• Monitoring of the number of jobs created directly and indirectly through the project implementation. As well as evaluation of the extent to which the project has bridged the digital divide within the community.

• Conducting surveys and interviews to assess the community's perception of the project's impact, benefits, and overall satisfaction. And also the ability of the project's potential for replication in similar communities, considering factors such as cost-effectiveness, scalability, and the transferabe of knowledge and resources. Making development of one community at a time feasible.

[IMPACT] Please describe your plans to share the outputs and results of your project?

Disseminating the outputs and results of our project is essential for sharing knowledge, inspiring others, and contributing to the collective understanding of leveraging AI and sustainable energy solutions for community development. Here are our plans to share the project's outputs and results:

• Creation of an open-source repository for technical specifications, code base, and AI models developed during the project.

• Organization of workshops and training programs to share knowledge and experiences with stakeholders. Also organization of town hall meetings and community forums to share project updates and outcomes, and solicit feedback from community members.

• Participation in relevant conferences, seminars, and events to present project outcomes and engage with experts, policymakers, and stakeholders in the field to also source sustainability.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability?

Cardano-based community network of 25+ professionals focused on connecting the world to Africa using blockchain and AI. 20+ funded proposals with strong partnerships within the Catalyst ecosystem. A trusted source for both Africa-based projects and wider ecosystem contributions

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] What are the main goals for the project and how will you validate if your approach is feasible?

Our project in the Kwame Ntow community aims to address limited access to electricity, the internet and emerging technologies such as AI. To validate the feasibility of our approach, we will integrate web3 and the Cardano blockchain in the following ways:

• Solar Farm: We will establish a solar farm powered by a sustainable energy source, using the Cardano blockchain for transparent and efficient energy distribution

• AI Solutions: We will develop AI models tailored to address community challenges, leveraging the Cardano blockchain for secure and decentralized data management

• Bridging the Digital Divide: By providing stable internet connectivity, we will integrate web3 and blockchain to ensure reliable and affordable access to the internet

• Monitoring and Evaluation: We will use the Cardano blockchain for transparent and auditable monitoring of project impact and effectiveness

• Collaboration and Partnerships: Engaging with stakeholders in the Cardano ecosystem, we will foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and resource exchange

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] Please provide a detailed breakdown of your project’s milestones and each of the main tasks or activities to reach the milestone plus the expected timeline for the delivery.

Month 1: Project Planning and Preparation

• Refine project objectives and milestones
• Recruit and train local workers and research assistants
• Establish partnerships with local institutions and communities
• Purchase necessary equipment and tools for data collection

Month 2-3: Data Collection Regime Design

• Establish data strategy, databases, and collection mechanisms
• Address licenses, regulatory concerns, and legal representation
• Initiate Digital IDs creation and data curation
• Begin land survey using drone technology
• Start informal market data collection, natural resource data compilation, energy, and utility usage analysis

Month 4-7: Solar Farm Construction and Internet Infrastructure Setup

• Commence construction of the solar farm for providing stable electricity
• Install necessary internet infrastructure for reliable connectivity

Month 8-9: Capacity Building and Data Collection

• Continue recruitment and organization of data collection workers
• Design and execute outreach strategy
• Ramp up data collection across various domains

Month 10-12: AI Model Development and Training, Testing, Implementation, and Reporting

• Begin development of AI models based on collected data
• Provide AI and machine learning training programs to local talent
• Test AI models and refine based on results
• Implement AI solutions for identified use cases
• Conduct an assessment of project results and impacts
• Compile and distribute final AI Implementation report

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] Please describe the deliverables, outputs and intended outcomes of each milestone.

• Various data collection methods will be established and locally relevant data sets will be managed.
• AI models will be developed and trained to interpret local languages and cultural nuances. These models will be used to provide targeted solutions in healthcare, agriculture, education, and business development in Kwame Ntow.
• Establishment of a solar farm for stable electricity and reliable internet connectivity. This will lead to improved living conditions, expanded educational and entrepreneurial opportunities, and increased community connectivity.
• Employment opportunities in data collection will be created and AI training programs will be implemented. This will result in a trained local workforce and foster socio-economic development in the community.

[RESOURCES & VALUE FOR MONEY] Please provide a detailed budget breakdown of the proposed work and resources.

Summary:

Budget Breakdown

• Data Collection Infrastructure and Equipment:
• Drone surveying equipment: 32,000 ADA
• Cameras and other recording devices: 10,000 ADA
• Tools for questionnaire administration, observations, and interviews: 8,000 ADA

• Development of Localized AI Models:
• Cost of developing AI models, including machine learning tools and computational resources: 125,000 ADA

• Solar Farm Construction and Maintenance:
• Materials, installation, and initial maintenance: 225,000 ADA

• Internet Infrastructure:
• Setup and maintenance of necessary internet infrastructure: 52,000 ADA

• Employment and Training Programs:
• Recruitment and remuneration for local workers: 72,000 ADA
• Training programs for AI and machine learning: 27,000 ADA

• AI Implementation Report:
• Research, compilation, and distribution of report: 13,000 ADA

• Project Management and Administration:
• Administrative and operational expenses, including office supplies, communications, local travel, etc.: 63,000 ADA

• Baseline Studies Including Socio-economic and Ecological Assessment:
• Land-use and environment impact assessment: 15,000 ADA

[RESOURCES & VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

• The project will showcase Technological Advancement through its investment in AI, renewable energy, and internet infrastructure, all integrated with blockchain technology.
• The project will focus on Sustainable Development and Impact, aligning with Cardano's vision of driving sustainable development and positive social impact.
• The project's blueprint, powered by blockchain technology, will offer Scalability and Replicability that can be adopted in similar communities worldwide.
• Trust, Security, and Data Sovereignty will be ensured through the integration of blockchain technology, enhancing the credibility and value proposition of the Cardano ecosystem.

[IMPORTANT NOTE] The Applicant agreed to Fund10 rules and also that data in the Submission Form and other data provided by the project team during the course of the project will be publicly available.

I Accept