What do we know about capacity building? : an overview of existing knowledge and good practice

The paper was prepared for the July 2001 meeting of the "Forum for Senior Policy Makers and Managers of Health Systems" organized by the World Health Organization (WHO). This document has two parts. Part One deals with the concepts and definitions of capacity and capacity building. The two paradigm shifts that have had a fundamental impact on current thinking on capacity building are introduced, namely 1) the approach that sees capacity in a wider context of systems and strategic management and 2) the partnership approach. The two main reasons in the international environment that led to the deep changes in international understanding about capacity building are briefly discussed: 1) the disappointment in results of development cooperation and 2) the experiences on structural adjustment programmes, which were raised the need to strengthen the role of state. Part Two links the previous discussion on concepts and frameworks to the practice of capacity development. State of the art practice culled from the recent literature sources is introduced. First, the author examines how capacity gaps can be identified in the current context. A case study relating to policy making and strategic management further illustrates the capacity assessment and its results in practice. Second, the overview introduces overall approaches and strategies for capacity building action, which have emerged from the evidence from systematic analysis of extensive international experience in capacity development. Third, some recent issues and concerns in monitoring and evaluation of capacity building efforts are presented. The main factors for successful capacity building are summarised and some conclusions drawn.