Responsible AI for Circular Economy
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Overview
Across South Africa, food loss ripples through every layer of society driving food insecurity, deepening poverty, and accelerating climate change. Yet the voices of those most affected, particularly women, have long been absent from the data systems and policies meant to address it. Without inclusive, evidence-based insights, local authorities struggle to design interventions that reflect the realities of marginalized communities across the food supply chain.
This project deploys AI across South Africa's food supply chains to map, monitor, and reduce food waste while embedding an intersectional gender inclusion lens at every stage. By ensuring that data collection and AI deployment reflect the experiences of women and vulnerable groups, the initiative builds the evidence base needed for gender-sensitive environmental policies. It also supports the transition to a circular economy, improving resource efficiency from production to consumption.
The results reach far beyond food. Local authorities gain the actionable insights needed to design fairer, more effective policies. Marginalized communities benefit from more efficient supply chains that reduce waste and improve access. And by actively preventing AI from reinforcing existing gender discrimination, the project sets a new standard for responsible, inclusive AI deployment one that advances social justice, tackles climate change, and helps build a more equitable circular economy.