WASHtsApp -- A RAG-powered WhatsApp Chatbot for supporting rural African clean water access, sanitation and hygiene

TL;DR

WASHtsApp is a WhatsApp chatbot using RAG technology to effectively educate rural African communities on water, sanitation, and hygiene, demonstrating high accuracy and user acceptance.

Contribution

The paper introduces a novel RAG-powered WhatsApp chatbot tailored for WASH education in rural Africa, with validation showing high relevance and acceptance.

Findings

Content validation confirmed accuracy of information

Community validation showed high user acceptance

Potential for local language integration and targeted interventions

Abstract

This paper introduces WASHtsApp, a WhatsApp-based chatbot designed to educate rural African communities on clean water access, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) principles. WASHtsApp leverages a Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) approach to address the limitations of previous approaches with limited reach or missing contextualization. The paper details the development process, employing Design Science Research Methodology. The evaluation consisted of two phases: content validation by four WASH experts and community validation by potential users. Content validation confirmed WASHtsApp's ability to provide accurate and relevant WASH-related information. Community validation indicated high user acceptance and perceived usefulness of the chatbot. The paper concludes by discussing the potential for further development, including incorporating local languages and user data analysis for targeted interventions. It also proposes future research cycles focused on wider deployment and leveraging user data for educational purposes.