Capacity Assessment in ICZM
Introduction
UNDP defines capacity as ‘the ability of individuals, organizations and societies to perform functions, solve problems, and set and achieve objectives in a sustainable manner’. Capacity Development (CD) is thereby the process through which the abilities to do so are obtained, strengthened, adapted and maintained over time.
A capacity assessment is an analysis of desired future capacities against current capacities; this assessment generates an understanding of capacity assets and needs, which in turn leads to the formulation of capacity development response strategies.
Capacity assessment serves as input to defining capacity development response strategies that address those areas where national and/or local capacities could be strengthened or that optimize existing capacities that are strong and well place. The capacity assessment also sets the baseline for ongoing monitoring and evaluation progress against relevant indicators.
Capacity assessment provide a systematic analysis of what key capacities exist, and a point of dialogue and negotiation on what additional capacities may be required to reach a desired development outcome. However, it is understood that fulfilling such capacity needs as identified provides necessary but often not sufficient conditions for the achievement of the development outcome.
External Links
UNDP Practice Note: Capacity Assessment, September 2007 http://www.capacity.undp.org/indexAction.cfm?module=Library&action=GetFile&DocumentAttachmentID=1422
Capacity Assessment Methodology –User’s Guide. Capacity Development Group, Bureau for Development Policy, May 2007 http://www.undp.org.ws/Portals/12/downloads/cluster_meeting_2007/document%20upload%20for%20CA%20&%20CD%20training/UNDP%20Capacity%20Assessment%20User%E2%80%99s%20Guide%201.pdf
Capacity Development Resources Book http://mirror.undp.org/magnet/cdrb/
Capacity Assessment and Development –in a systems and strategic management context; Technical Advisory Paper No. 3, Management Development and Governance Division, Bureau for Development Policy, January 1998 http://mirror.undp.org/magnet/Docs/cap/Front.pdf
