Change

You cry out for change
But aren't willing to sacrifice your comfort
You are like a man searching for gold
Cautious, in fear of staining his clothes
Are you so foolish to not realize the depth treasures are stored
Something worth having is something worth working for
Rambling injustice while smiling with your oppressor
You are merely a leach
Preying on the tenacity of the meek
Boisterous on the surface, but lacking sound foundation
Adversity will be the wind to sweep you away
Cast to irrelevance by your dubious ways
Triumphant shall be the few
Whom in the harshest of times, were not dismayed
To these brave souls, unwavering in their ways
Change will be due

Forgotten Joys of the World

Today, there was a rainstorm.
In typical monsoon fashion, it was swift and full of vigor.
The living room was filled with the clamorous sound of thunder,
All too familiar but charging me with its violent whisper.
Not knowing what to expect, I placed her on my shoulder and stepped outside;
My niece will be experiencing rainstorm for the first time.

Stepping onto the damp lawn,
We were welcomed by drizzles of warmth.
Bathing our skin, we savored every drop,
Staring admirably as the dampened sky lit up.
Resting on the safety of my shoulder,
She celebrated in an unbound manner only a child could display,
Her flailing arms matched by her uncontrolled laughter;
She was experiencing the world in a new way.
She stared at me, excitement beaming from her eyes,

Her face bunched up from her gaping smile.

Aside from its beauty, the rainstorm was neither magical or special to me,
It was just one of many.
But something in that moment brought about a rich sense of simplicity.
With each laughter numbing my thoughts,
Her voice shadowed all logic and noise.
Her laugh was a reflection of the forgotten joys of the world.

Development Revolution: Resuscitating a Fruitless Model

It is true that history repeats itself. While the exact events vary, a specific theme is carried throughout. I believe that the key to drastically improving the efficacy of development practice lies in the analysis of historical context and identifying the details behind this theme.
Although these themes can be identified globally, I will mainly be using the United States and some of the changes it has experienced historically as points of reference for this article. Also, while we could delve into greater detail on some of the topics to be discussed, I will keep them brief only mentioning key points or data.
First, let me start by addressing the question of what this theme is that i have been mentioning. Present day society has arrived where it is due to a number of historical events that brought about changes so great that they reformed the fundamental mechanisms of our society. These changes are called revolutions and centuries were branded by these revolutions, reflecting the deep impact their changes imposed. These changes were like waves that washed ashore new practices and carried away old methods, refreshing the sphere in which society functioned. In general, these changes brought improvements that increased the efficiency and capacity of society, and put previous ways in its shadows. One of these pivotal changes was the industrial revolution. I will be using this period as a blueprint to not only show how it improved society, but more importantly, how it served as a catalyst to boost certain countries like the United States to economic prowess.The Industrial revolution brought about drastic changes in multiple sectors of our society including; transportation, textile, and communication. The need for an improved system that was able to accommodate the needs of society served as the motive for these innovations. While the genesis of this transformation is credited to England, the success story ultimately was rendered elsewhere to countries like the United States that caught on early and seized the opportunity to catapult themselves to economic prowess. These countries reaped the benefits of this era and were able to become more independent and compete in the global market. These countries also flourished because of the goods and improved quality of life these innovations brought. A few points should be noted from the industrial revolution such as: the pivotal role innovations had in transforming not only the way societies functioned but also the socioeconomic sphere, the global economic hierarchy,  and the independence and self sustainability of countries. 

The beauty of a revolution is its potential to hit the refresh button on social constructs, tipping set practices on their heads and forcing industries to re-strategize and reform their mode of operation. This may not immediately sound like a favorable situation, but this "refreshing" readjusts the playing field and sets everyone closer to the start line once again. Well, I guess that didn't make it sound any better, but as a practitioner in the development field observing this phenomenon, it should spark your interest. The story gets more intriguing when we look at modern day industries and realize that another revolution has dawned upon us. We are currently in the early stages of what I will call the "clean revolution". The refresh button has been hit once again, repositioning everyone closer to the start line. This is exciting news for developing countries seeking economic independence and prowess and for development practicioners as well! Focus should be directed towards understanding how countries like the United States were able to seize and transform an idea developed elsewhere into a system that allowed them to become leaders in this field. This leads to my qualm with the current development dogma.

The problem with development practice today is that it is complacent and lacks a pioneering spirit. It is still the same sob story about poor countries unable to sustain themselves and having to rely heavily on foreign aid, in the form of billions of dollars, to achieve basic needs such as providing food and conflict mitigation (I will acknowledge that there have been instances where the focus on development has veered from these rudimentary topics to highlighting the presence of skilled individuals in engineering and other sectors and providing funds for them.) While these are very serious issues that have yet to be resolved, I think it is time for the dogma to expand and focus more on goals that extend beyond this rudimentary and pathos driven approach. Its goals should be focused on how developing countries can delve into the clean revolution early on and attain economic prowess through this venture. History has shown us foreign aid is no solution for underdevelopment. True empowerment and independence requires a long term vision, one that is so ambitious it seems impossible. This was the mentality that drove countries to economic prowess and leadership during the industrial revolution. The tone of the discourse of development will have to at least match this for there to be a pivotal change in the field and in developing countries. As this new revolution slowly itemizes, not only will it be crucial for the vision and tone of this field to change, but calculated steps need to also be taken to implement and integrate the new set of standards into their socioeconomic sphere. 

The race is still fairly early and not only do developing countries benefit from this restart, they also have the benefit of starting with a relatively blank platform. Unlike developed countries which have well constructed systems, there are no set structures in place for most developing countries. It would be a very tedious and expensive process for a country like the United States to fully integrate some of the new green technologies and structures into its major cities . For developing countries, this process won't be as tasking or expensive because the infrastructure is not as organized as that of developed countries. Although these new structures will lead to savings in the future, the removal of old structures and installation of new ones will leave developed countries with a far greater cost than developing countries. This should not be a hindrance for developed countries who have the means to accommodate these costs, but once again, this difference only levels the playing field some more. Another advantage developing countries have is that they have had the luxury of observing current and soon to be outdated structures such as the energy/power industry.

Traditional methods of generating and supplying electricity is nowhere close to being as efficient as it truly can be. The current process produces far more electricity than we need, creates waste and pollution, and is not sustainable overall amongst other things. More energy is then wasted supplying this energy to homes, cars and other structures. These are some of the flaws that the clean revolution seeks to address. One way is by changing how we produce our energy. In 2012, it was reported that ~80% of America's energy came from non-renewable and polluting sources, while ~10% came from renewable sources. By tipping the scale to where renewable sources account for the majority of energy production, we can attain a much more sustainable system. While the details are uncertain on what the future of energy production will look like, we can definitely see a trend that can be followed. The energy industry is leaning towards a system that produces energy from renewable and sustainable sources that produce very minimal waste or pollution. How we consume energy (green technologies, higher efficiency appliances) and many other factors are already being adjusted to align with the clean revolution. Developing countries need to be making note of the deficiencies of the older system as well as this early stage system. Doing so will place them in a competitive position and could permit them to move to a position of pioneerism in this new era. This approach now gives a refreshing and innovative face to development practice, whereas previous development models tried to mirror the practices of developed countries onto emerging economies without lending any kind of innovation or customization to those models, which history has shown yields minimal desirable results and even worsens some countries economic situation.

Taking into consideration all I have mentioned in this article, I believe a much more aggressive, innovative, and efficient approach towards development practice can be derived. Analyzing previous revolutions will be crucial in determining the next steps developing countries as well as development practitioners need to take to properly designate resources and time. This refocused target will allow developing countries to be in an advantageous position and allow for competitive growth, yielding results old models could not produce.

References/Graphs:

2010 energy usage

Industrial revolution

Solutions: Conflict Mitigation (Boko Haram)

Conflict is a major impedance on the efforts of development practice and has to be analyzed when discussing the issue. This post is a continuation and case study on solutions to development issues, using the Boko Haram in Nigeria as my subject. For background and additional information on the Boko Haram, see further readings such as this analysis of the ideology behind the Boko Haram, or this brief chronicle of their presence in Nigeria. There's a plethora of further readings that can be found online as well. The purpose of this post is to introduce detailed and plausible solutions to the discourse of this issue.

For this discussion, I will divide conflict mitigation strategies into two categories, direct and indirect approach.

Direct Approach

Direct approach in this discussion refers to the direct intervention and opposition of a conflicting group (Boko Haram) by another party (Nigerian government.) 

I believe that an active approach is necessary in the mitigation of this issue because of the uncompromising and violent stance taken by the Boko Haram. It is stated in the Al Qaeda training manual found online that Islam calls for a hostile confrontation with nonbelievers. I am uncertain of the legitimacy of this manual, but if it is factual, such threats should not be met lightly. I believe that the Nigerian government needs to have a zero tolerance agenda to match the uncompromising stance of the Boko Haram. Any encounter with the Boko Haram or its affiliates needs to be met with lethal force. You can't compromise with someone who sees contention as the only plausible resolve and embraces death, you can only grant them that wish. It is unfortunate that the conflict has to escalate to such levels threatening more lives, but a long term perspective has to be taken when approaching this situation. It is more practical to set and control the intensity of the situation at a level manageable by the government early on, than allowing these groups to continue operating discretely until they grow to an uncontrollable size. They have stated that they are unwilling to compromise and will not stop their terror until the country is under Islamic law and oppositions are extinguished. This will surely be the fate of Nigeria if this issue is not properly addressed at the moment. Stopping the momentum of this group right now is the most effective direct approach that will limit casualties, cost, and time. 

Specific measures must be taken in order for a direct approach to be effective; mainly, there needs to be sound infrastructure and capable governmental agencies in place.

For infrastructure, this means sound roads, good energy structures, and land surveillance. It is no secret that the road situation is bad in Nigeria. The lack of adequate road access presents a hindrance to the efforts of military mobilization and monitoring. It also makes rural areas more vulnerable to attacks. Usage of geographic information systems, GIS, techniques will be beneficial in providing the government with land information. Other geographic analysis tools can be coupled with GIS technology to provide government agencies with land usage data. Better monitoring systems and geospatial information will in turn allow for government agencies, as well as local parties, to effectively monitor civilian activities. Local leaders and police should also be involved in this operation in order to set up tactics for on site overseers. I believe that having a capable infrastructure system like this will leave the Boko Haram with few places to hide.

The government also needs to curate a capable team to lead and utilize these strategies. As discussed earlier, the Boko Haram needs to be confronted in an urgent and non compliant manner that will seize their operation before it becomes uncontrollable. In order for this to occur, there needs to be a clear and uniform understanding amongst government personnel on the application and implication of such measures. This uniformity will give structure to the agenda, while reducing wasted efforts on strategies not catered towards achieving this goal. Infantries also need to be trained on specific counter-terrorism tactics and civilian protection.

Although it may seem that these measures are extreme, I think it would be beneficial in the long run. Also, some of the work and policies that will be put in place in solving this issue will be beneficial for future conflict mitigation in the country, creating a standard of operation against terrorist groups, improving the security in certain areas, GIS techniques can be applied to improve use of vacant land, and built infrastructure will be beneficial in the long run. There's also potential for economic benefits by creating jobs.

Indirect Approach

Indirect approach in this discussion refers to strategies not directly involving the opposing groups. The Boko Haram has been functioning mainly in the northeastern part of Nigeria, as seen in this map. For this approach, these areas and local governments/residents need to be the focal point when constructing strategies. Strategic goals should aim to isolate the Boko Haram and starve them from receiving any form of support outside the country and prevent them from acquiring any resources internally, whether that be financial, artillery, human capital, or intel.

The monitoring and tracking tools discussed earlier should be utilized for this approach as well. Data from these tools can be compiled to learn more about where the Boko Haram is operating and how to appropriately allocate resources.

As far as recruitment goes, I am uncertain of the tactics used by the Boko Haram. It is a common trend for groups to go after the youth when recruiting members. I feel that the Boko Haram might be operating in a similar fashion. This method is usually effective because this age group is easier to manipulate, through fear tactics and brainwashing, and enticing promises. Other possible groups are poor or unemployed persons. Due to their conditions, these groups are more vulnerable and easier to persuade. Working on strategies that will give these groups alternatives and educate them on facts that will allow them to make sounder decisions will be beneficial in starving the Boko Haram of new members.

For the youth, intervention programs need to be put in place. Giving this group extracuricular activities will occupy their time and possibly reduce their vulnerability. Some of the surveillance and monitoring tasks can be put in their hands to empower them and give them employment opportunities. This goes for the older groups as well. Education programs should also be put in place to educate residents on the issue. Islamic leaders that practice the true nature of the religion should be brought to educate locals. The government also needs to find the outlets with which these groups operate and block them, whether it is social or political.

Conclusion

Underdevelopment is crippling and hinders the efforts of conflict remediation. A countries capacity to effectively manage conflict is dependent on the presence of sound infrastructure and competent governmental personnel. Once these are in place, direct and indirect strategies can then be designed and implemented. In the case of the Boko Haram, this will involve; improving the monitoring of target regions using GIS and geographical analysis tools, training authoritative forces on responding to direct confrontation and emergency civilian mobilization, curbing the recruiting process by giving vulnerable groups alternatives, and implementing educational programs that will nullify the manipulative teachings of the Boko Haram.
As it is right now, the Boko Haram is not a significant threat based on their size. This will not be the case if the issue is not attacked aggressively through serious discussions and the progressive implementation of mitigation tactics. It will behoove the Nigerian government to begin seriously investing in measures that will address the issue and snip the problem in the bud, no matter how drastic or excessive it may seem.

One love

Sources:

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/para/boko-haram.htm

http://lordedon.blogspot.com/2014/03/understanding-ideology-of-boko-haram.html

http://leadership.ng/features/343890/fct-forest-reserves-becoming-haven-criminal-activities

#1 Recipe For Success

To be successful in whatever business endeavor one may partake in, he/she needs to be cognizant of one single factor. That factor is exploitation. I feel that most people know about exploitation in this sense, while a few are unaware. Whether it is intentional ignorance or innocent oblivion, the exploitation persists. There are multiple industries that have a exploitative nature, but I will only use the fashion and accessories industry since it is an industry most people can identify with. The examples and context of this article have their shortcomings and will be more pertinent to capitalistic markets/countries, specifically the United States.

When shopping, what's the first thing you look for in a clothing? For most people, I will assume it is the brand. After that, we then look at the actual product. Sometimes this process is reversed, with the consumer looking at the product, then the brand. Whatever the instance, the brand is a major factor in determining the probability of the consumer purchasing that product over another. Why is this the case? Some brief reasons include the marketing, popularity, and personal experience you've had with that brand. These are all reasonable and obvious reasons. The discussion then becomes interesting when you have brands that people pay outrageous amounts for. What makes these products so much more expensive than their counterpart? Are these products really worth the price that they are being sold for? Do the consumers even know the production process that could potentially justify the price they pay for these products? Before I go more into the discussion and state my thoughts on it, here is a very useful clip about the eye-wear industry that will provide information that will help you better answer the aforementioned questions. Watch this video with an open mind, putting aside any preconceived notions and see how your response to the questions vary.

Sticker shock: Why are glasses so expensive?

• Before I continue, I just want to state some stuff on this video, so skip if you just want to continue with the discussion. 
• The CEO of Luxottica is brilliant! On one hand, he comes off as being arrogant and inconsiderate, which makes you dislike him; but then you realize the brilliance in the strategic advancement of his operation and the company's transformation of the eye-wear industry as a whole and you can't help but respect their business model. This is capitalism at its finest and it is not meant to be fair or friendly. It is a competitive space and only the cunning strive. 

This video and the represented company are a perfect case study for this topic, and is relevant to me because I have an obsession with sunglasses. What makes a particular product more expensive than its counterpart? Is the value of that product worth the price, and do customers even know why they pay the price they do for certain products? According to the CEO at Luxottica, "everything is worth what people are ready to pay." By purchasing products at a high price, we are affirming his notion and justifying outrageous pricing. This is simple economics, supply and demand. Rationale is questioned when you look behind the scenes of this consumer/producer relationship. As seen in the video, products can be produced for a low price and sold for up to ten times the cost of production based on the producers discretion. This is exploitation that clearly favors the producer. Not that there is anything wrong with this, but as a consumer watching that video and peaking behind the scenes, I question my consumer behavior. While I may feel like I am paying a high price for a brand because it is "premium" and has a better quality than its competitors, in reality I am simply paying that price because the producer knows we "are ready to pay" that price. Most people have similar rationales when it comes to purchasing popular name brands feeling that it is superior to its counterpart. While this is truer in other markets such as electronics, it is murky in the fashion/accessories market. The fact is that most consumers do not know the real reasons why they pay the price they do for certain products. The association of the product to the brand is reason enough for most. 

Another example in the fashion market is the Kanye West "hip hop t shirt", a plain white t-shirt with a retail value of $120. I am using this as the scapegoat for other popular brands that charge exaggerated amounts for basic products. This shirt sold out. Consumers are saying it is okay for producers to charge exaggerated amounts for basic products, and the producers continue to supply because of this demand.

A final example is the diamond industry. This industry functions similarly to the eye-wear industry, with the majority of production and sales coming from a sole company, De Beers. This monopoly has allowed De Beers to control the supply of diamonds and ultimately determine the pricing of diamonds by restricting distribution and creating the illusion of scarcity (scarcity increases the value of products.) This is a widely known fact about the company's operation. It is known that there is an abundance of diamonds, so scarcity is not a reasonable argument for their high pricing. Like the eye-wear industry, the diamond industry is the result of years of calculated marketing and progressive rebranding, which they've done impeccably.  People know of the monopoly and exploitation that surrounds the diamond industry but continue to purchase and place high value on these products. Societal and media reinforcement continue to perpetuate the brainwashing and acceptance of these products, thus allowing for the exploitation to continue.
Read more: http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1982/02/have-you-ever-tried-to-sell-a-diamond/304575/

There is no good or bad guy in the relationship. This is the nature of capitalism and life. Someone will always be exploited. As people, we need to be smarter with our endeavors, researching on the logistics behind the products we pay greater amounts for. As a producer, exploitation is the game and you will generally have the upper hand. Understanding the consumer/producer relationship and the underlying exploitative nature of this relationship is key to achieving success, whether it's on your business endeavors or just everyday consumerism.

One love.

$100 prosthetic for war victims in Sudan

I love seeing stories like this! People using their talents and skills simply to better the lives of their neighbors. No talent is too small to have large impacts. Whatever skills you may have, hone it to make a difference in peoples lives.

Prosthetic for Sudan

http://inhabitat.com/100-3d-printed-prosthetics-offer-hope-to-amputees-in-war-torn-sudan/