AI Unleashed: Ending Droughts One Algorithm at a Time

In the most recent installment of Lexicon , we had a seat with Adetunji (Joseph) Ayoade , an acclaimed IT professional possessing extensive knowledge in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and data analysis.

Ayoade's path from working in broadcast engineering to developing AI-powered climate solutions has provided him with a distinctive viewpoint on how technology can tackle major global issues like droughts.

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From broadcasting technology to climate tech

"I began my career as a physicist and electronic engineer, later transitioning into broadcast engineering before shifting focus to software development since I aimed to address issues for friends who would approach me," Ayoade shared with us regarding his professional path up until now.

In his view, it was this problem-solving mentality that guided him towards artificial intelligence.

"One day, somebody asked me if I could turn off a generator at a specific time. I agreed, but it did not go as planned. It was then that I understood some problems are best solved with smart machinery," he explained.

He proceeded to elaborate that starting from 2015, he has been heavily immersed in AI, transitioning from software development to data analytics before ultimately becoming proficient in AI-powered solutions.

In what ways might artificial intelligence assist during times of water shortage?

One of the major environmental issues we face today is drought, which impacts farming, water availability, and worldwide security. Although conventional approaches have tried to alleviate the consequences of droughts, might artificial intelligence serve as a crucial component for a sustainable resolution?

Well, he explained, AI is already making an impact in tackling drought. Ayoade added that while AI alone can’t solve the problem, its predictive capabilities are revolutionary.

“AI can solve most problems now. But the one thing humans will always have is intuition and vision,” he told us.

Drought is a complex issue that involves government policies, human behavior, and unpredictable weather patterns. However, AI’s ability to analyze massive amounts of data gives it an edge in forecasting and mitigation efforts.

"AI's capability to forecast the weather now boasts more than 90% accuracy. This is truly transformative," he remarked.

Traditional methods of dealing with drought often rely on reactive strategies—governments and farmers respond only after severe drought conditions have developed. AI, on the other hand, can anticipate droughts before they happen, allowing for proactive measures.

"If traditional methods were sufficient, we wouldn't be discussing drought now," he stated.

Weather prediction and smart irrigation

One of the most promising uses of artificial intelligence in managing droughts lies in its capability to work alongside irrigation systems. As Ayoade pointed out, drought isn’t solely an issue of water scarcity but rather one of poor water management.

"The error many communities commit during a drought is believing it's solely about water. It isn’t. Simply adding more water can lead to soil erosion and nutrient depletion from leaching," he explained to us.

Artificial intelligence can ascertain the exact quantity of water required at any specific moment, guaranteeing efficient resource utilization and preventing additional ecological harm.

"AI can inform you about the required amount of water, the timing, and the method of delivering it to the soil," he mentioned additionally.

Through the use of AI-driven satellite imagery and ground-level sensors, farming specialists can refine their watering techniques, minimizing wastage and boosting harvests. Nonetheless, as Ayoade points out, satellite information proves valuable for broader areas yet faces challenges when applied to specific localities.

“Satellite data is useful for large-scale monitoring, but when trying to solve local drought problems, it can only go so far,” he explained.

What works and what doesn’t

Ayoade draws comparisons between different regions tackling drought.”If you want to see a country that successfully tackled drought before AI, look at Israel,” he told us.

He explains that Israel’s desalination and deep irrigation methods were so effective that the country now has 20% more water than it needs and even sells excess water. “The key to Israel’s success was two things: willpower and financial resources,” he added.

Nevertheless, this method doesn't apply everywhere. For inland nations such as Mali and Burkina Faso, desalination isn't viable, so different strategies, including deep soil management and afforestation, have to be implemented.

Ayoade also pointed out that a community-based approach to addressing drought was initiated in Burkina Faso. A person named Yakuba started excavating pits and filling them with humus to enhance water retention in the soil.

"Hundreds of acres that were previously dry and lifeless turned lush and verdant once more—all thanks to human creativity, not through AI or desalination," he stated.

Although these simple methods are effective, they require considerable time, which is a commodity many do not possess. "Africa must wait; it lacks the immediate financial means to implement extensive measures," he further stated.

Weather, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing

The impact of AI on drought management largely relies on cloud computing services. Ayoade, possessing significant expertise in AWS, Firebase, and Google Cloud, highlights that AI won’t be able to expand effectively without robust cloud infrastructure.

“Cloud platforms take away the headaches of infrastructure. They make scalable AI possible,” he explained.

He mentioned a real-life instance of a company depending on local servers for their AI operations. "A decade later, they faced difficulties. Their setup was unable to cope with the rising demand, making scalability extremely challenging," he shared with us.

Using cloud-based AI solutions allows for seamless scalability. "AWS EC2 and Firebase enable automatic scaling without requiring manual server upgrades," he explained.

However, there’s an issue: The swift expansion of AI is surpassing our computational capabilities. "Should AI continue expanding at this rate, we'll exhaust our available processing power before the year ends," he stated.

The following major advancement will be quantum computing. "We have hit the boundaries of silicon chips. The sole progression possible now lies in quantum computing," he stated.

If there aren't significant advancements in computing power, AI development will stall instead of progressing further.

AI won't take our place; instead, it will enhance our capabilities.

At the conclusion of their talk, Ayoade tackled prevalent anxieties regarding artificial intelligence. "Many argue that AI will eliminate job opportunities," he countered, "'but my stance is different—I believe AI will generate employment.' This shift will necessitate acquiring fresh abilities, fostering emerging sectors, and developing novel areas of knowledge," he elaborated.

For young engineers and aspiring technologists, Ayoade also had some sage advice: “Don’t fear AI. It’s not Skynet. It’s not The Matrix. It’s a tool, and like any tool, it’s up to us to use it wisely.”

“AI will help us predict disasters before they happen. It’s a game changer, and we’re only scratching the surface,” he told us.