Unlocking Trust: Navigating Tanzania’s Perception of Artificial Intelligence

A Deep Dive into Public Sentiments and Confidence in AI Technology

Artificial Intelligence (AI), with its transformative potential, has the capacity to shape economies, societies, and even global governance. However, for AI to reach its full potential, it must be embraced and trusted by the public. Public trust is the bedrock upon which AI’s societal impact is built. This assignment recognizes the pivotal role that data plays in shaping responsible AI development. It serves as a cornerstone for informed decision-making, enabling policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders to align their strategies with the prevailing public sentiments.

In a world where technology is increasingly intertwined with daily life, this assignment carries profound significance. The insights derived from this data collection effort will not only inform the development of AI policies in Tanzania but will also contribute to a global conversation on how to harness the potential of AI while upholding principles of trust, transparency, and ethical use. It is in this context that the importance of this assignment becomes resoundingly clear – it is a beacon illuminating the path to responsible AI development in Tanzania and beyond.

Why This Survey? As Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to shape various aspects of our lives, it’s crucial to understand how the community perceives its role and impact. This survey aims to capture diverse perspectives on AI tools in Tanzania, shedding light on public awareness, concerns, and expectations.

How Can You Contribute? Participation is simple and accessible to everyone. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a professional in the field, or someone curious about AI, your input is valuable. The survey is conveniently structured to accommodate varying levels of familiarity with AI, ensuring inclusivity.

What to Expect:

  • Quick & Easy: The survey is designed to be user-friendly, taking only a few minutes of your time.
  • Anonymous: Your responses will be kept confidential, ensuring an open and honest reflection of your thoughts.
  • Varied Perspectives: We are particularly interested in capturing a broad spectrum of opinions, from differing levels of familiarity with AI to diverse professional backgrounds.

How to Participate:

  1. Visit our dedicated survey page.
  2. Complete the questionnaire thoughtfully and honestly.
  3. Feel free to share the survey link with your network, encouraging a diversity of responses.

Stay Connected: Curious about the results? We’ll be sharing key insights and findings right here on our website. Make sure to follow us on our social media platforms for updates!

Your contribution to this survey will not only contribute to our collective understanding of AI in Tanzania but also pave the way for informed discussions and advancements in the field.

Celebration goes on…

DataVision’s 25th Anniversary: A Slice of Success! Celebrating a quarter-century of innovation, teamwork, and excellence with our amazing employees. Here’s to many more years of data-driven success!

#DataVision25Years #Teamwork #AnniversaryCelebration.

Celebrating 25 Years of Impact!

Join us in reliving the beautiful moments from the tree planting event at Ilala Boma School in Dar es Salaam, where we commemorated the 25th anniversary of DataVision International. Together, we’re not just planting trees; we’re sowing the seeds of a sustainable future for generations to come. 🌱🌏

 

Unveiling the Power of Data Collection in Education

In a collaborative effort, a team comprising members from UNICEF Innocenti, DataVision Int., and Unbounded Associates is partnering with the Government of Tanzania on a groundbreaking study named “Data Must Speak“. This study aims to uncover effective strategies for enhancing the learning landscape within the country’s schools. As a pivotal component of this initiative, conversations are being held with students and parents, alongside interviews with teachers and government officials. A comprehensive approach is being undertaken, involving over 170 Focus Group Discussions and 230 Key Informant Interviews across 42 schools spanning Tanzanian Mainland and Zanzibar.

Evaluating the former ‘Big Results Now’ Delivery Unit

The Elusive Quest to Improve Learning Outcomes in Tanzania via Delivery Units.

The purpose of this research project under Georgetown University is to investigate how the Big Results Now (BRN) delivery unit approach was implemented and its effects. As this project is retrospective in nature, it is not feasible to establish causal links between BRN and its impacts. Rather, the aim of this research is to examine the differences in the implementation of BRN across various learning outcomes. We are conducting semi-structured interviews with public servants in education, water, and health sectors to comprehend how BRN functioned in 21 districts of varying characteristics.

 

Our Moderators and Note Takers interviewed Ms Mkandawile, the Principal Education Officer (PDB) (second left) and the Senior Education Officer Mr. Sanga (MDU) (third from left) at the Ministry of Education in Dodoma.

 

Evaluation of the Shule Bora Programme

Having successfully completed the School Information System’s diagnosis work for the Shule Bora Programme, DataVision International was yet again successfully able in February and March 2023 to deliver a series of technical services linked to another contract with the Programme. The exercise involved delivery of training sessions to over 72 data collectors, implementing actual data collection in 180 primary schools as well as reporting for Shule Bora Programme’s baseline survey. The purpose of the baseline survey is to identify and articulate the starting point for the full suite of indicators for the programme’s M&E framework.  Both qualitative and quantitative approaches were employed to collect data from parents, students, teachers and school administration.

Shule Bora is a Government of Tanzania (GoT) programme supported by UK Aid to improve the quality of education in pre-primary and primary and to improve transition between primary and secondary schools. It is a six-year programme which will be implemented in nine regions namely: Dodoma, Katavi, Kigoma, Mara, Pwani, Rukwa, Simiyu, Singida and Tanga. At a national level, the programme provides technical assistance to the Government of Tanzania to ensure it is able to implement the Education Programme for Results (EPforR) effectively.

Focus Group Discussions with male parents (right) and female parents (left) during the Baseline Survey of the Shule Bora Programme.

Women at DataVision kicking off a new project

Last week we kicked off a new project “Impact Evaluation of First-Time Parents activity” in collaboration with NORC with an exclusive feminine training. DataVision will evaluate the First-Time Parent (FTP) activity under USAID YouthPower2: Learning and Evaluation. This study involves the collection of quantitative data, specifically in-person surveys of First-Time Mothers (FTMs). In total 1000 interviews will provide the source of information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Successfully finalization of non-state ECCE provider assessment

DataVision has successfully presented in cooperation with Unbounded Int. the findings of the needs assessment of non-state ECCE providers. This needs assessment involved interviews with school owners, teachers and Focus Group Discussions with parents in Arusha and Dar es Salaam.

Sanitation Survey in Dar es Salaam

DataVision conducted a sanitation survey in collaboration with HafenCity University Hamburg in Germany and BORDA Tanzania in December 2022, in Dar es Salaam. Households and vacuum truck operators in Dar es Salaam were the source of information. This data enables BORDA to determine and evaluate the costs of Faecal Sludge Management (FSM) services, and in continuation will be the basis for cost optimisation.

Houshold interviews in different sampled areas in Dar es Salaam have been conducted by our experienced enumerators.

A Market Research for Tanzania Commercial Bank (TCB)

DataVision Int. has been contracted by Water.org and Tanzania Commercial Bank (TCB) to conduct a market assessment to understand the WASH market in Tanzania, to identify financing gaps in the supply, delivery, financing model, and distribution for the service providers and consumers in this market in 12 districts in Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar.

In this context DataVision Int. conducted interviews with Water Vendors, Hospitals, Schools, and service providers in Water and Sanitation supply to identify and quantify the challenges and gaps in the provision of clean water and sanitation services.

   

Focus Group Discussions with household members were part of the study as well.