We’re thrilled to announce that Dii, in collaboration with the University of Toronto, is selected as one of the 20 finalist teams for the Llama Impact Grants funded by Meta! From Dii our CEO Sadman Sadek will also be attending the in-person refinement workshop in New York City this April, alongside Meta AI researchers, open-source experts, and subject-matter partners.

We’re honored to be recognized alongside our peers, Digital Green and One Acre Fund, all working for the empowerment of smallholder farmers globally. This prestigious grant focuses on supporting innovative applications of Llama 2, an open-source large language model, to tackle critical global challenges.

We thank AI at Meta for the opportunity. We also thank our technical partners Wageningen University & Research, and Weather Impact for the collaboration.

To learn more, visit: https://lnkd.in/gx72939m

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The initiative aimed to bridge knowledge gaps, foster collaboration, and facilitate the exchange of innovative forecasting techniques. Through this collaborative effort, Dii envisions equipping these officials with the latest tools and methodologies, ensuring that Bangladesh’s agricultural and meteorological sectors are primed to address the evolving challenges posed by climate variability and change. This, in turn, will empower farmers and stakeholders with more accurate and timely advisories, solidifying a resilient future for Bangladesh’s agriculture.

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The training week was characterized by an atmosphere of enthusiasm, as participants delved into the intricacies of S2S theory, gained proficiency in the Python programming language, and honed their skills in forecast validation methods. As a culmination of this knowledge-sharing endeavor, a collaborative workshop convened, bringing together members of BMD and DAE. This workshop served as a platform for the formulation and presentation of agronomical advice, underpinned by the latest forecasts generated by the S2S system.

The highlight of this eventful week was the official launch of the S2S forecasting system. This momentous occasion garnered extensive coverage on national television and various online journalism platforms. Attendees expressed their overwhelming positivity regarding this groundbreaking development, recognizing its potential impact not only on agriculture but also across a spectrum of other sectors.

In summary, this mission to Bangladesh marked a resounding success, underscoring the pioneering efforts of Weather Impact in collaboration with BMD and DAE. As we look ahead, the final visit scheduled for September promises to mark the successful conclusion of the S2S4Agri project, a testament to the transformative power of sub-seasonal to seasonal forecasting in shaping a resilient and informed agricultural landscape.

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S2S forecasts, spanning a 6-week timeframe, offer valuable insights into weather conditions at a weekly scale. Positioned between conventional short-term forecasts (up to 10 days ahead) and monthly seasonal predictions, S2S forecasts represent the cutting edge of meteorological science and hold immense potential for various sectors. Weather Impact is actively assisting BMD and DAE in harnessing the power of these forecasts, aiming to unlock their benefits for the farming community. These forecasts can address critical questions for farmers, such as the onset of the monsoon or indications of extreme rainfall events.

This collaborative project comprises two primary components:

Assessment of S2S Models: The project involves a thorough evaluation of S2S models within the context of Bangladesh. This evaluation is essential for tailoring forecasts to the region’s unique characteristics, ultimately enhancing their accuracy and reliability.

Development of Agronomical Advisory Products: By co-developing farm management advisories, this project equips farmers with more time to respond to weather conditions. These advisories empower farmers to make informed decisions about when to initiate, postpone, or adapt their agricultural activities. The newly developed advisories will undergo rigorous field testing and validation.

One of the core pillars of this initiative is to ensure its sustainability. This involves building the capacity of key stakeholders. Weather Impact and WEnR will provide training to BMD and DAE officials, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to utilize the system effectively. Furthermore, a standardized operational procedure (SOP) will be established in collaboration with both BMD and DAE. This SOP will define the roles and responsibilities of each organization in the S2S data chain, ensuring a seamless and efficient workflow.

The project will run till December 2023 and the forecast generation system has already been transferred and handed over to the Bangladesh Meterological Department (BMD).

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