People Matter: An introduction to capacity development : Essential Readings

  • Ubels, J., N. Acquaye-Baddoo and A. Fowler (eds.) (2010) Capacity Development in Practice, Earthscan, UK

    For a quick overview of what capacity development entails, the following sections are recommended: the general introduction (containing some definitions), Chapter 1 on ‘ Leading Frameworks’, Chapter 8 on organizational development, and Chapter 22 on ‘Taking Stock’. The full resource volume presents a comprehensive overview of the domain of capacity development as it has developed to date. A central theme is the need to understand capacity as more than something internal to organizations: capacity also stems from connections between different types of actor and the levels in society at which they operate. The authors provide numerous cases, analytical models and practice methods, while exploring day-to-day dilemmas faced by capacity development practitioners. The resource volume concludes by discussing possible scenarios for the further emergence of CD as a distinct professional field. 

  • Kaplan, A. (1999) The Developing of Capacity, Community Development Resource Association, Cape Town, South Africa

    This is an early but deep reflection on the nature of capacity and its development based on the experiences of South African practitioners with solid on the ground practice in South Africa and elsewhere in combination with interesting anthroposofic notions on organizations as ‘living entities’. A must read for anyone who wants to understand capacity.

  • Baser, H. and P. Morgan (2008) ‘Capacity, change and performance: Study report’, ECDPM Discussion Paper 59B, ECDPM: Maastricht

    This is probably the largest study ever undertaken on capacity development. The Synthesis report is accompanied by a series of 16 rich and detailed case studies and a range of theme papers. It provides the detailed foundation for the ‘5Cs’ framework.An interesting summary of the perspectives of donors on capacity develop¬ment and their views of what should be worked towards in terms of approaches, methods and responsibilities.

  • OECD (2006) The Challenge of Capacity Development: Working Towards Good Practice, Paris

    An interesting summary of the perspectives of donors on capacity development and their views of what should be worked towards in terms of approaches, methods and responsibilities.