Individual versus Organisational Capacity Building

Abstract

Capacity building embraces manpower development from the individual through the national level arrangement. Experts refer to it as “community capacity building” or “capacity development”. Two broad activities are involved: human resources development and institutional building. In a world characterized by limited physical resources and increasing competition for investable funds, enhanced human capital is critical and will define the limits of development that nations can attain. The imperative to achieve enhanced human capital in an increasingly knowledge based world economy, is the singular most important factor magnifying the need for capacity building as a veritable vehicle for sustainable national development in any country today. The human resources are necessary to put the institutions in place, but the institutions on the other hand are necessary facilitative factors that will ensure and enhance greater and better productivity of the humans. Both are therefore complimentary. Even after producing the required number and type of human capital in critical areas, transfer of learning and brain drain pose serious obstacles to the achievement of the desired national goal.