AI4WaterPolicy: AI-Assisted Qualitative Feedback for Community Water Security in Rajasthan, India
No hay miniatura disponible
Fecha
Título de la revista
ISSN de la revista
Título del volumen
Editor
International Water Management Institute
Resumen
Descripción
AI4WaterPolicy is an action-research pilot implemented in Rajasthan, India, by IWMI in partnership with Centre for Microfinance (CmF), Colectiv, and the Institute of Development Studies (IDS). The initiative explored the feasibility of using AI-assisted interviewing via WhatsApp (voice and text) to collect timely, scalable qualitative feedback from frontline water governance actors. The study engaged 352 participants across four cohorts, including CmF staff, Pani Mitras, and Panchayat representatives, generating structured qualitative insights to complement routine monitoring systems.
Findings reveal the multifaceted role of Pani Mitras, spanning community mobilization, technical promotion, and institutional liaison. Sustained engagement was driven by visible outcomes, training, stewardship, and recognition, while disengagement stemmed from trust deficits, process challenges, and competing responsibilities, particularly affecting women.
A key contribution of the pilot was demonstrating the value of “closing the feedback loop,” which led to improved confidence among participants, stronger engagement with local governance institutions, and enhanced ability to navigate water-related schemes. The study also highlights that digital tools require active facilitation to ensure inclusion and must be complemented by human oversight to address risks in AI transcription and translation.
As a feasibility pilot, the study underscores the potential of AI-enabled feedback systems to inform adaptive program design and strengthen community water security interventions.
Palabras clave
artificial intelligence, water policies, water governance, water security, community involvement