When someone mentions AI tools such as ChatGPT, for many, it is seen as a tool for high school or college student asking AI to complete their homework. The stereotype that AI is only suitable for doing homework, making presentations, or writing papers is far from its true potential. In reality, AI is actively doing a variety of ongoing projects and solutions, fighting global poverty across the humanitarian sector.

A Hunger Free World?

AI algorithms are powering AI-driven tools that reduce hunger and improve nutrition. The algorithms take the data, analyze it, and use the results to provide farmers with accurate crop management information. For example, AI agriculture applications can monitor soil and weather conditions. The data tells the farms how much water to use for irrigation (to conserve water) and how much pesticide to use. The more farmers utilize these AI resources, the more crop production feeds more mouths. A world without hunger is a demanding task; therefore, it requires AI assistance as the world grows. Of course, AI cannot create a zero-hunger world by itself, but it can make an enormous difference.

Natural Disasters

During Hurricane Fiona in 2022, the storm hit the Caribbean as a Category 4 storm. The results were devastating to the community. The damage was so widespread and abundant that emergency humanitarian aid was not able to get there fast enough to document the damage manually. That’s where AI was able ot step in. Digital Engine for Emergency Photo-analysis (DEEP) performed a proper damage assessment in just a few hours, compared to a manual assessment that would take a few days, according to the World Food Program (WFP). DEEP was able to locate communities that were severely impacted and rapidly sent crisis relief services.

After the heartbreaking earthquake that broke infrastructure in Turkiye-Syria in 2023, SKAI was able to respond rapidly for disaster relief. SKAI is a free AI tool that proactively assesses disasters at 33% of the cost and more than 10 times as fast as manual assessments.

Similarly, in crisis settings, AI-enabled chatbots are enabling people to access instant information, register their needs, and receive services in their own language. These tools are speeding up aid delivery, reducing communication barriers, and helping frontline workers reach the most vulnerable faster.

Education

AI is notorious for its ability to assist in homework. However, its ability speaks volumes to potential students who lack a computer or internet connection in impoverished places. AI can transform from tutor to teacher and utilize its intelligent chatbot to teach intellectual material to anyone. AI is accommodating to a multitude of learning methods, whether you are a visual learner, listener, hands-on, etc. AI is giving the power of education to anyone who desires it.

Utilizing AI’s teaching capabilities provides evidence of long-lasting financial benefits for users, which is highly beneficial for poverty alleviation. According to The ChatGPT Revolution, ChatGPT is redefining economic development and reducing poverty with its easily accessible search engine.

AI Opportunities

Unfortunately, the use of ChatGPT and other AI tools for the purpose of fighting global poverty is just the beginning. Therefore, the expansion of its assistance is at a minimum. However, the research and feedback delivered suggest that ChatGPT support has been promising in combating global poverty. Its results have reached many private companies, including ChatGPT, which are now investing in AI tools to help alleviate poverty worldwide.

For example, Meta is increasing funding for AI programs that will mark impoverished areas as target zones, planning to strengthen infrastructure, education, and community grants. Another example is the WFP’s investment in AI operations, which it recently announced in its March 2025 Artificial Intelligence Strategy

– Mireya Aguilar

Mireya is based in Layton, UT, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr