I am am satisfied with your blog 'the year without summer' and broad outline of Minister Alexander's announcement for humanitarian support to those countries.

This week, I was looking through the 'Climate Change and Conflict Prevention' (Tanzler+Carius) article in Adelphi Research. We could not ignore the fact that it might have the connection in producing many Mohammads in the past. I however always do not favor the logical perspective in making connections in whatever lines, that includes climate change and conflict issue as well. As you have long experience in livelihood issues and conflict, I could see some glimpses its interrelation and possible measures. I am student of management now but have seen intense arm conflict in Nepal. We, of course know, various types of conflict and its initiations.

Logically we can prove the correlations between increased sales of ice cream and sun glasses. Climate change may be or may not be the issue on the murder of people in the world. And also, first and second world war were not the issues either. The motivations theory of Marslow suggests the need and its importance in seeking higher satisfaction level. Some issues are related to 'survival' as Charles Darwin said. Though I am follower of Mohan Dash Karm Chand Gandhi who made it change even without violent activities. Conflict could bring the radical change, no doubt but the direction of conflict has never been proved to be without human sacrifice.

I favour Mr. Douglas Alexander's support for humanitarian assistance, which is the most priority of the people of Africa. But it is also importance for the development leader like you to find out the scientific methods to grow overall and sustainable development with peace to turn 'failed green crop' of Mohammads in Africa. Otherwise, this will just be a philanthropy of UK government to developing countries, including a stunt of publicity to impress.

Any blog with innovative idea will be a great source of inspiration for a student like me to understand the conflict and development in world. I am sure that you would experience "You Made a Difference" like the slogan of Astha Society of Canada. Please experience it from your SUPERVISION and MONITORING.

With best wishes,

Youb Raj Basnet, Middlesex University, Hendon, London
(International Student from Nepal)

You are right that I have not included in the blog post everything that DFID is doing in East Africa. We do have humanitarian programme worth about £3 million in Eritrea with UNICEF and Oxfam focusing on water and sanitation. Although travel in Eritrea is quite restricted, two colleagues from my team were able to visit in August, and one of them wrote an article that is currently on the DFID website at http://www.dfid.gov.uk/Media-Room/Case-Studies/2009/A-shorter-walk-to-safer-drinking/.

In addition we have provided support through the World Food Programme to emergency relief in the Karamoja District of Uganda.

Martin

http://selfdestructivebastards.blogspot.com/2009/10/wake-up-humanity.html

Everyone else go make one too!