Description

Beira is one of the world's most climate-vulnerable cities. JoanaBot started from a simple question: how does weather information actually reach the people who need it most? The answer was WhatsApp,  the channel almost everyone already has and knows how to use. JoanaBot is a conversational AI assistant that translates technical meteorological data into clear, actionable warnings in plain language, delivered directly inside the app the community already uses every day.

Key Features

• Conversational WhatsApp Interface: Access to climate information through natural conversation, with no app to install and no account to create.

• Meteorological Data Translation: Technical information converted into understandable warnings and practical preparation guidance.

• Real-Time Alerts: Notifications about developing adverse weather conditions, giving the community time to prepare.

• Environmental Education: Educational content on climate resilience delivered conversationally and adapted to the local context.

Technologies Used

• Backend: Node with conversation state management and asynchronous message processing.

• WhatsApp Integration: WhatsApp Business API with webhook handling and conversation session management.

• AI Layer: Natural language processing to interpret colloquial questions and generate context-aware responses.

• Data Sources: Integration with meteorological APIs for up-to-date climate data covering the Beira region.

Results and Impact

• Access Barrier Removed: By using WhatsApp rather than a dedicated app, the solution reaches users with basic phones and limited digital literacy.

• Users Reached: 1300+ users interacting with the assistant.

• Community Preparedness: Climate information turned into a practical preparedness tool for one of the populations most exposed to cyclones and flooding in Africa.