Capacity development has increased in prominence in humanitarian circles and has been the focus of many conferences and workshops, and numerous books and publications, outlining a multitude of tools, models and strategies for enhancing capacities. This section of the Handbook will therefore not attempt to digest and present all this information. The aim is to define the way DR C understands and applies capacity development, state the reasons why the concept is important to the work of DR C, and to provide a framework on how to approach CD to serve as a guide for staff.
DRC regards “capacity” as referring to the abilities, skills, understandings, attitudes, values, relationships, and behaviour that enables individuals, organisations and institutions to achieve their objectives over time. Hence, capacity development is focused on improving the ability to acquire, strengthen and maintain these capacities.
Underpinning this definition of capacity and capacity development is the need to understand it from three dimensions:
- Individual capacity development – related to development of skills of individuals in the short or long-term, e.g. through training, practice and exposure;
- Organisational strengthening: related to the strengthening of organisational processes (e.g. planning, financial management systems, etc) through training, advise, organisational reform etc.; and
- Improving the institutional environment through incentives, adequate policy frameworks, etc.
Of equal concern are also the concepts of capacity creation, capacity utilization and capacity retention. Many efforts are often made in creating capacities at the individual or organisational level, but with scant regard as to questions:
- Are these capacities effectively utilized?
- Are the capacities retained over time?
A comprehensive understanding of capacity development is important if these efforts are to be successful and have lasting impact, particularly for humanitarian interventions that are by nature of a shorter-term duration than development interventions.
The importance DRC attaches to capacity development stems directly from the adoption of a rights-based approach. Thus, this is one of the key instruments in strengthening the ability of the responsible parties – the duty bearers -, be they local and/or national government institutions, civil society organisations and/or individuals, to meet the needs, demands and rights of the stakeholders for whom they were established and to whom they are accountable.
Capacity development is important to all aspects of DRC’s work; whether in acute crisis, displacement or durable solutions context. The targets for DRC capacity building interventions may vary, however, but the approaches can be largely similar and should be borne in mind in the early stages of programme conception and design.
