Manka

AI Chatbot for Rural Nutrition Support

Manka is an AI chatbot offering reliable nutrition guidance to rural communities in Tungurahua. Initially an MVP for an AWS hackathon, it became a scalable solution through Streaver, Tech To The Rescue, and Fundación ADHA.

Helping Rural Women with AI-Driven Nutrition Assistance

The Challenge

From MVP to Scalable Solution

Manka began as a proof-of-concept chatbot. Streaver refined the AI model, built a production-ready platform, and ensured scalability for future growth.

Community-Centered Technology

The chatbot had to be designed with cultural and linguistic nuances to ensure effective communication and meaningful support for rural Ecuadorian users.

Scalability & Infrastructure

The project required a robust infrastructure to handle growing users, support future SMS integration, and ensure long-term sustainability.

An ADHA educator in a white coat talking while holding a colorful dietary plate guide, with an ADHA banner in the background

An ADHA educator talking to a group of people sitting in chairs.

The Solution

AI-Powered Chatbot

Integrated AWS Bedrock to enhance chatbot interactions and improve response accuracy.

Implemented a structured decision-tree logic to guide users through relevant nutrition recommendations.

Back-Office & Data Management

Developed a web-based back-office for ADHA to monitor interactions and manage chatbot content.

Designed a data management system to store interactions while ensuring privacy and security.

Scalability & Future Integrations

Built a modular infrastructure that allows seamless scaling.

Prepared integration for SMS-based communication and user registration to expand accessibility.
‍

Overcoming Challenges

A phone showing an ongoing chat with Manka

Asynchronous Collaboration & Autonomy
The project team operated across multiple time zones and worked under infrastructure constraints in rural areas. Streaver’s technical leadership ensured smooth execution, allowing for continuous progress without delays.

User-Centric Design & Adoption
Understanding local needs was critical. The chatbot was adapted to reflect user preferences, ensuring adoption and meaningful engagement within the target community.

Results

Pilot Launch & Community Engagement

• The pilot program launched with 20 rural women in Tungurahua as the first focus group.

• Early feedback highlighted the chatbot’s effectiveness in providing accessible nutrition advice.

Long-Term Sustainability
‍
• Fundación ADHA now has the tools to independently manage and expand Manka.

• The platform’s architecture allows for future enhancements and broader adoption across communities