Components of Capacity Building & Obstacles to its Success

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Components of Capacity Building Obstacles to
its Success

• Daniel Suman
• University of Miami

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• Capacity Building is a broad concept with many
  definitions that vary with the perspective of the
  individual who uses the term.
• Our task should be to clarify the components of
  this concept.

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• Capacity Building implies an ongoing process to
  enhance the capabilities of a community, an
  organization, an institution, or a State to
  perform and reach its stated goals and objectives.

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Measurement of Performance in Capacity Building

• An institutions performance may be assessed by
  four indicators
• Effectiveness the degree to which an
  organization meets its stated objectives
• Efficiency how well the organization meets its
  goals with minimum inputs

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• Relevance degree to which the organizations
  activities reflect the interests and priorities
  of the stakeholders
• Sustainability viability of the organizations
  activities with respect to long-term funding and
  sound finances

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• An organization or institutions capability is
  based on resources, knowledge, and management
  strategies it adopts to reach its goals.

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• The capability of an organization has two
  pillars
• Resource Base (hard capabilities)
• Management Base (soft capabilities)

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• The Resource Base depends on
• Appropriate staffing, personnel, or human
  resources
• Facilities and infrastructure
• Existing and adopted technologies and research
• Funding

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Human Resources

• Inter-disciplinary Training for Integrated
  Coastal and Ocean Managers especially at the
  local level
• Outreach to the business communities, resource
  users, and academic communities
• Centers of Excellence in Marine Science and
  Policy
• Integration of Marine Environmental Science in
  educational curricula at all levels
• Specialized training (port environmental
  management, oil spill contingency planning)

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Inter-disciplinary Training in ICM
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• The Management Base is a factor of
• Strategic Leadership
• Program Management (strategic planning, resource
  management, and program review)
• Linkages with other organizations and
  stakeholders
• Inter-institutional coordination
• Communication and cooperation with other
  institutions and stakeholders at the local and
  national levels
• Regional and Global support networks

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Inter-Institutional Coordination
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Communication with Local Stakeholders
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Infrastructure Patrol Boats for the Galapagos
National Park
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Fish House for Artisanal Fishing Cooperative in
the Galapagos
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• Management capabilities require skills in the
  following areas
• Strategic planning methodologies
• Determination of priorities and goals
• Delineation of responsibilities
• Allocation of resources
• Motivation of people
• Development of good relationships with
  stakeholders
• Evaluation and Adaptability of programs

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External Environment - Obstacles

• Donor Environment
• Lack of coordination among donor programs
• Absence of sustainable funding for programs
• Program decisions made by donors rather than by
  users
• Administrative and Legal System
• Contradictory legal mandates
• Institutional conflicts

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External Environment - Obstacles

• Political Environment
• Rapid personnel turnover
• Lack of support for program at high levels of
  government
• Economic Conditions
• Absence of sustained national funding for the
  program

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Internal Environment - Obstacles

• Institutional Leadership
• Absence of leadership with a long-term vision
  that is skilled in adaptive program management.
• Clarity and Acceptance of Mission Statement
• Institution may lack a clear vision of its role.
• Shared Norms and Values
• Values may not be shared by staff.

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Internal Environment - Obstacles

• Performance Incentives
• Lack of incentives to attract and keep talented
  staff
• Organizational Structure
• Structure may be inefficient and neutralize
  capacity building efforts.
• Organizational Culture
• Organization may not be open to learning, change,
  and adaptation.

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Conclusions

• Capacity Building Programs can enhance the hard
  capabilities (physical and human resources) and
  the soft capabilities (management).
• Efforts should be based on assessment of needs
  that are conducted at the national and local
  levels.
• Sustainability of Capacity Building efforts is
  essential.