Can't Get Out From Under a Sky that is Falling

The title of this blog entry is a line from the song “Vegas” by Sara Bareilles (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZBxCsuV2F0&feature=BF&list=QL&index=2). Although her song has nothing to do with alternative energy, I think the image of becoming trapped as the sky falls on top of you seems to fit perfectly with this week’s reading. The theme of the reading for this week was how Botswana is incorporating alternative energy use into governmental policy and development programs, and the effectiveness of those implementations.

As I read about these programs the strong influence of neo-colonialism struck me. Using funding from the UN, NGOs, and other foreign aid sources, Botswana (and Africa in general) has made great strides in introducing alternative energy technologies, particularly solar panels, or photovoltaic (PV) cells. However, as evidenced by HIV education, prevention, and training programs, these programs were executed based on Western models. The people of Botswana, their feelings on the subject, and their cultural views were not taken into account.

Cognizant of their own errors in environmental preservation, developed nations have descended on Africa, much like helicopter parents, in their intensive efforts to ensure that Africa doesn’t make those same errors throughout its development trajectory—largely disregarding the feelings and opinions of the African people. I find it very sad that the developed world is descending upon Africa to create a prototype of the distant future world in which alternative energy will be the norm.

As activists, scientists, and international officials descend upon Africa, they essentially paint an image of doom for African leaders—a world where they won’t be able to get out from under a sky that is falling. And so, African leaders attempt to make the best of a bad situation. This is especially the case in Botswana, where the government is pouring millions into sustainable development programs, with the hope that the country will become an international hub for the alternative energy industry.

And the idea makes sense. As African nations like Botswana enter the international market, they need to produce a good or provide a service that no one else does. Since diamonds aren’t actually forever—at least not in terms of Botswana’s booming diamond industry—the government needs to invest in an industry in which the nation will be able to be successfully compete. That’s the only way to ensure that Botswana’s economy remains viable and secure. And, the largely untapped area of alternative technology seems like a great industry where Botswana can build an international niche. This would provide a major advantage in the future, catapulting the country to a seat at the global “dinner table.” Unfortunately, right now, Botswana (and much of Africa) is perceived to be stuck at the “kiddie table” in terms of global contributions.

However, I really believe that Botswana’s approaching this entire venture in the wrong way. After all, Botswana has a resource that no one else has—the Bushmen. These are a group of people who have survived in the harsh dessert for eons. Surely, the survival methods they employed can be developed into useful alternative energy technologies. I can’t imagine a better way to utilize the expertise of the Bushmen, and ensure that their way of lives on as they transition into mainstream society. I know that the Bushmen are a very controversial issue in Botswana, and that there has been outrage from within and from outside the country with regards to how the Government allows them to live on the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, as though they are a tourist attraction. So, it’s entirely possible that I’m completely wrong about this, but I feel that environmental preservation may be an area where the entire world can learn from and benefit from the teachings of the Bushmen.

I understand a desire to make sure that the mistakes of Western development aren’t repeated in Africa, but in the process of doing so, the Western world is preventing Africa from developing independently. It makes me wonder: is doing what we perceive to be in Africa’s best interests, really in the best interests of the African people? After all, they say the road to hell is paved with good intentions. I don’t know if there is any actual opposition to alternative energy technologies in Botswana at present, but I do believe it is something that should be thoroughly explored.

Our study of HIV taught us that it is vital to include the people of a country and to account for culture when implementing programs such as this.  None of the articles from this week’s reading seem to talk about cultural influences on sustainable energy or about opinions the Tswana people have on the topic. I find this disturbing—based on the HIV campaign, we know that Western education mechanisms are not fully effective in non-Western societies. So, rather than going gung-ho into Botswana with the idea of turning it into a country operating on alternative and renewable energy, maybe we should pause and figure out how to get the Tswana people on board. This process will only work if the people there are committed to it.

After all, it’s a lot easier find your way to the top of Cloud Nine when the sky is falling.

P.S. Since music was part of the inspiration for this post, I think it's appropriate to end with a terrific song about environmental degradation. Originally written and performed by Joni Mitchell in the Seventies, I much prefer the version by the Counting Crows, featuring Vanessa Carlton: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvtJPs8IDgU . I recommend scrolling through the pictures of Bushmen on Flickr as you listen: http://www.flickr.com/photos/deepblue66/5434645194/in/photostream/ .