Meso-level capacity development
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It is generally recognised that we need to bridge the gap between macro policy levels and local communities. Practical exchanges among different levels of action need to be facilitated to achieve a better mutual understanding between policy-makers and implementers. This notion of ‘linking up’, ‘networking’, ‘building connections’ and ‘strengthening interactions’ is certainly not new to the development discourse. But there has been a revival of the debate on developing the capacities of organisations located in-between macro-level institutions and the local level. This is particularly relevant given the massive reform programmes loaded onto partner countries in the South in recent years and the challenge of turning often ambitious policy maxims into action.
There has been substantial conceptual thinking on capacity development for meso entities such as local and regional governments, NGO membership organisations, and private-sector associations. There is much less documentation, however, on HOW to operationalise the concept from a development cooperation perspective. (continued ...)
This issue of Capacity.org has been produced in cooperation with SNV Netherlands Development Organisation, a multicultural development agency based in The Netherlands and operating internationally. SNV supports organisations in 26 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Europe, which want to develop and improve their capacities.
This publication is complemented with selected web references to tool kits and background materials provided by the SNV and various other organisations working in this field.
Next issue: October 2004
Capacity.org features a new issue every quarter. Each issue focuses on a particular theme, with a Welcome Letter, a Selected Bibliography and Guest Contributions. Other sections are updated regularly. Connectivity to Internet is limited in many countries in the South. A parallel printed Newsletter, highlighting the major features of Capacity.org is published. The printed version is available for those who do not have Internet access. It can be ordered via info@ecdpm.org or: ECDPM, O.L.Vrouweplein 21, NL-6211 HE Maastricht, The Netherlands. Fax: +31-(0)43-3502 902. |