Mennonite
Central
Committee

Reflection on the MCC conference 'Globalization and Development in South Asia'

By Derek D'Silva

D'Silva heads the MCC Bangladesh agriculture program, which advises thousands of subsistence farmers.

To many of us in the Third World the word "globalization" brings about mental images of a movement of massive proportions that appears to be rolling over the earth, merciless in its progress, flattening everything in its path and leaving in its wake destruction and chaos. We fear that national boundaries will be torn down, protective barriers removed and the weak subjected to competition on highly unequal terms and conditions, under which they would have no chance of survival.

The conference in Nepal gave me an opportunity to hear more on this subject and evaluate the situation a little more objectively.

My own thinking on this issue for a long time has been shaped by my belief that Third World people are survivors and they will find a way to come to terms with the unfolding drama of globalization. Most Third World dwellers have long suffered deprivations at the hands of leaders who form the governments, own the businesses or who control the wealth of their respective countries.

At the conference, papers were presented on various aspects of the topic. Some speakers were of the opinion that globalization would bring about a better life for their people. Others felt that while some indicators showed that progress was being made, in reality poverty was not being reduced.

At the end of the conference I personally came away feeling that the problems associated with globalization are huge and answers difficult to come by. However one thing in my mind was certain — the powerless will have to be protected. Small producers (or farmers) will have to become more productive so that they can hold onto their lands and way of life in the face of the coming challenges.

The farming families that MCC works with in Bangladesh currently do not earn enough to meet their most basic needs. There are, however, improvements that can be made in the current production systems to increase productivity and income so that most of these families could meet their basic needs and be able hold their own. At the conference I discovered that there was at least one other person who has similar thoughts about the ability of small farmers to substantially increase their productivity and income.

For me, the most threatening thing about globalization is the possibility of investment money being shifted across borders without restrictions. The Third World needs capital but not at the cost of lost jobs and livelihoods. Capital relocations should be accompanied by restrictions that take into account environmental concerns, minimum wages and humane treatment of workers. These conditions have to be accepted globally by all countries and enforced equally.

In the name of short-term gain and profit, big business should not be allowed to relocate their mills and factories from one location to another without good reason.

Most of the ideas I've expressed here are outcomes of discussions that took place outside the conference hall during leisure time.