Can WhatsApp Chatbots Revolutionize Data Collection in Sub-Saharan Africa?

What is it about?

Chatbots are automated chats in applications like WhatsApp. They can be used to share information, order goods, raise complaints, and/or provide other services. However, more recently, they are also used for surveys/questionnaires. In recent years, our chatbot for research surveys was used in several studies in Sub-Saharan Africa (including Tanzania, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo). To understand how the usage of a chatbot for surveys worked, we asked users of the chatbot about their opinions. We found that the usage was feasible, had advantages for researchers and respondents and was approved by nearly all users. Because people have experience with chat messaging, it's easy to understand and use. In addition, the digital data collection and text messaging features such as voice messages and location sharing have advantages for the research process.

Featured Image

Photo by Avel Chuklanov on Unsplash

Photo by Avel Chuklanov on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Remote data collection is challenging in many parts of Sub-Saharan Africa. Distances are far, PC ownership is low, and electricity and internet services are unreliable. That's why most data collection still happens through fieldwork (e.g., interviews) or paper-based approaches. Our study shows that chatbot surveys in WhatsApp are feasible and have advantages in these regions. Therefore, they could enable remote data collection, thereby saving cost and time on research and, ultimately, giving more people a voice in the respective regions.