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BOOK REVIEW

TITLE: Looking at Development Through the Third Eye

AUTHOR: Prof. Alex Bashasha (PhD)

PUBLISHER: New Vision Printing

REVIEWER: Steven Denis Matege

Looking at Development Through the Third Eye is a collection of insightful and compelling articles on transformation and development. From parenting to cultural, socio-political, economic and global issues, the 182-page book is a practical guide to understanding the key issues on local and international development.

The author is a researcher with vast experience in global geopolitical matters. The book uses real-life examples to explain issues that local and international communities should deal with to address imbalances on the local and global stage.

The book is a practical tool for students, policymakers, opinion leaders and anyone who wants to understand why development is still a pipe dream in some parts of the globe. If you want to appreciate the current global geopolitics and why Africa continues to lag, this book is a must-read.

The debate on having a United States of Africa has raged for decades. In 1963, 32 signatory governments met in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa. They endorsed the formation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) to advocate for the complete independence of the African continent and the total rejection of colonialism and exploitation in all forms.

At the 35th OAU summit held in Libya, President Gaddafi (RIP) called on the African leaders to consider the reformation of the OAU into a more capable and less constrained African Union, which came into force in 2002.

Before his death, Gaddafi visited different countries calling on all leaders to work towards making Africa one entity: The United States of Africa (USA). He also advocated for a single currency for Africa (African dollar).

Why has Gaddafi’s dream of a united Africa not materialised? What should be done to achieve it? This book has answers to these questions.

The book extensively weighs in on the issue of integration of African countries and what African leaders can do to fast-track Gaddafi’s dream. The author argues that Africa cannot compete favourably unless it is physically, socially, politically and economically integrated.

Africa is the world's poorest continent by GDP per capita, with per capita income representing only 3% of the world's income. However, Africa is rich in natural resources, including 30% of the world's mineral reserves, 8% of the world's natural gas, 12% of the world's oil reserves, 40% of the world's gold, and up to 90% of the world's chromium and platinum. Other natural resources in Africa include arable land, water, forests and wildlife.

Despite having vast resources, Africa remains poor and underdeveloped. The book explains this puzzle and what should be done to save Africa from exploitation and poverty.

The theme of poverty stands out in this book. Why are poverty and wars still a problem in Africa? Why is the continent a hotbed for coups? The book extensively dissects these issues. The author wonders why poverty is ravaging most parts of Africa yet the continent has vast arable land capable of making Africa the global food basket. How can we get out of this cycle of poverty and dependence? The book gives hints on how policymakers and leaders can deal with the issue.

The key message in the book is on grassroots development and encouraging people to make deliberate efforts to transform their lives and contribute to national development. The author refers to grassroots development as a process through which disadvantaged people organise themselves to improve the social, cultural, and economic well-being of their households and society.

The book calls for a people-oriented approach to cause transformation. Put people first; ensure community participation in finding solutions for their needs and issues.

The book tackles broad development issues that relate directly to development including politics, culture, economics, and security. The author guides on policy formulation and development. Do you know why children in elite families have lost their identity due to the demise of their mother tongue?

Why have African weddings become a show of extravaganza? Why as a country we should urgently come up with a law on burials? Get insights on the issue in this book. The book breaks down issues to help the reader appreciate the global trends in development and provoke debate on topical issues.

The book will be available in major Ugandan Bookshops at sh100,000.