Contributions and contradictions of AI in climate-focused evaluations
Panel Discussion | Online
About the Event
Artificial intelligence is becoming a highly used tool in evaluation, for issue scoping, data collection, preparation and analysis. Generative AI’s superior ability to process vast amounts of text data efficiently as a critical starting point for interpretation reflects just some of AI’s value in evaluative work. Numerous qualitative data analysis tools have emerged to support the use of AI in evaluation. In this growing space, there is an increasing need for contributions from the African continent in terms of natural language processing and culturally appropriate knowledge and perspectives to ensure that AI provides more comprehensive and culturally relevant responses.
Like most big-tech, AI also generates significant natural resource demands and negative environmental outputs. In the African context, where the effects of climate change are disproportionate to the emissions most generate, this poses a critical moral question for debate, particularly when we think about the resource-wars in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The intention of this panel discussion is to stimulate discussion about the contributions and contradictions of AI in evaluation, particularly in Africa, where issues of climate justice and Just Transition are very real. The session will start with an overview of AI as a tool in evaluation. This will be followed by an overview of the increase in focus and methodologies related to climate change and just transition, including two evaluation guidelines co-developed between SAMEA and the South African Department of Planning Monitoring and Evaluation. Specifically, this part of the discussion will examine the climate and ecosystems health criterion and its focus on resource use and implications on ecosystems. Then the discussion will turn to engaging participants in debate on the following questions:
What are the implications of increasing AI capacity and use in low-resource settings?
Should we be concerned about the resource demands of digital tech?
How do evaluators evaluate the ecological and moral pros and cons of AI and digital tech?
What do ethical AI procurement practices in the development space look like?
What is evaluation’s role in promoting social and ecological justice?
Like most big-tech, AI also generates significant natural resource demands and negative environmental outputs. In the African context, where the effects of climate change are disproportionate to the emissions most generate, this poses a critical moral question for debate, particularly when we think about the resource-wars in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The intention of this panel discussion is to stimulate discussion about the contributions and contradictions of AI in evaluation, particularly in Africa, where issues of climate justice and Just Transition are very real. The session will start with an overview of AI as a tool in evaluation. This will be followed by an overview of the increase in focus and methodologies related to climate change and just transition, including two evaluation guidelines co-developed between SAMEA and the South African Department of Planning Monitoring and Evaluation. Specifically, this part of the discussion will examine the climate and ecosystems health criterion and its focus on resource use and implications on ecosystems. Then the discussion will turn to engaging participants in debate on the following questions:
What are the implications of increasing AI capacity and use in low-resource settings?
Should we be concerned about the resource demands of digital tech?
How do evaluators evaluate the ecological and moral pros and cons of AI and digital tech?
What do ethical AI procurement practices in the development space look like?
What is evaluation’s role in promoting social and ecological justice?
Speakers
| Name | Title | Biography |
|---|---|---|
| Jennifer Norins | SAMEA Chair; MIET Africa MERL Lead | Jennifer Norins has over 15 years experience in programme monitoring and evaluation for education and youth development programmes. Ms Norins was a co-author on SAMEA-DPME evaluation criteria on climate and ecosystems health and transformative equity. She currently serves as the SAMEA Chairperson. |
| Jason Bygate | Director, Engage | Jason Bygate is a social impact strategist and tech innovator with 20+ years’ experience across Africa. He leads social intelligence and digital transformation projects and champions inclusive AI solutions that enhance access, equity, and effectiveness for youth, NGOs, and underserved communities. |
| Rebecca Mbaya | Independent | Rebecca Mbaya is a Congolese researcher, writer, and social innovation strategist working at the intersection of data, technology, and justice, with a focus on decolonizing tech and amplifying African voices in global digital spaces. |
Moderators
| Name | Title | Biography |
|---|---|---|
| Sinenhlanhla Tsekiso | CLEAR-AA Evaluation Systems Programme Manager; SAMEA Board |