News

BCI Pilots Worker Voice Technology In Pakistan For Cotton Farmers

In recent news, the global non-profit organization, Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) has piloted the Worker Voice Technology in Pakistan to better understand the kind of challenges cotton farmers have to deal with. This technology allows users to hear from workers about their respective working conditions through their mobile devices.

This technology acts as a transmitter and as a receiver hence a two-way communication. Moreover, the information gathered from this technology helps users to understand the usual farming practices and overall capacity building. BCI began exploring the use of the technology in Sindh in order to better understand how technology can play a pivotal role in the agriculture ecosystem.

In order to make the pilot a successful one, BCI had partnered with Ulula which led to creating a mobile phone-based survey incorporating the latest technologies such as Interactive Voice Response (IVR). These survey questions were focused on labor practices, pesticide use, training attendance, and more.

Through the IVR approach, people answered multiple-choice questions through their cell phones using their keypads. Later on, they receive a free voice call to their phone which simply plays an automated message hence enabling people with less education to participate easily without any complications. However, an internet connection is required in order to partake in the survey.

As a result, nearly 500 survey responses were received from over 332 farmers and 136 farmworkers with women hence composing nearly 22 percent of all respondents. The next step for BCI will be to solve issues of these respective problems gained from the survey.

Sponsored
Usman Aslam

A tech enthusiast, writer, researcher and strategist working on the latest technologies and making an impact. Usman has been heavily focused on building communities, empowering people through technological trends and advancements for over 3+ years including many notable names such as IEEE Region 10, TEDx, Google Developers, United Nations Programmes, Microsoft Partner Program and much more. Reach out: usman.aslam@techjuice.pk

Leave a Comment
Share
Published by
Usman Aslam

Recent Posts

Microsoft Launches AI-Powered “Support Virtual Agent” for Xbox Users

Microsoft has launched its AI-powered “Support Virtual Agent” chatbot for Xbox Insiders in the U.S.,…

4 hours ago

Musk Says Tesla Won’t Enter Smartphone Market Unless Necessary

Android Authority recently polled its users to find out if they would purchase a Tesla…

4 hours ago

Sukkur IBA Sets Seven Conditions for Conducting MDCAT

The Secretary of the Sukkur IBA Testing Agency has formally requested urgent action from the…

4 hours ago

PSEB Opens Bidding for Nationwide e-Rozgar Centers

The Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) has launched a nationwide program to encourage IT startups…

5 hours ago

Google Play Services Bug Disrupts Access to Apps for Pixel Users: Here’s How to Fix It

A significant issue with Google Play Services has left many Pixel users unable to access…

5 hours ago

WhatsApp Beta Partners with Google for Innovative Image Search Feature

When it comes to Android messaging apps, WhatsApp stands out as one of the best.…

5 hours ago