This platform is designed to serve as a virtual environment for the development of the resource volume SNV is currently developing:

Advances in the Practice and Theory of Capacity Development: A resource for professionals

It consists of resource information, background materials and interaction options.

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What:

A three part compendium-style state-of-the book on capacity building in the context of international aid and development. Part I provides an overview of current thinking and practice using widely accepted elements of / approaches to capacity development. Part II discusses dilemmas, challenges and innovations. Part III introduces challenges for growth of local capacity building service providers and examines ways of improving professional quality. A tying theme and innovative message will be understanding professional capacity building as a practice ?connecting? many different types of developmental relationships.

Why:

About one third of official aid ? around US$20 billion per year - is devoted to capacity development. Yet implementing this investment is poorly understood as a distinct profession with many types of players. This volume will therefore promote interest and clarity about capacity development as a professional field. The strategy is to show the existing state of play as well as making new and sharper insights accessible to a broad audience of badly served local practitioners. Further, existing texts are too seldom written by those who do this work as opposed to those who observe and analyse it. This volume will be distinctive in having significant input from those actively engaged in the on-the-ground practice.

For whom:

practitioners in capacity development at meso level ? consultants, trainers, managers, facilitators, advisors, leaders funders and activists. In addition, SNV?s own professional staff (900) and clients and partners (at least 3,000) as well as a general audience of professionals across a range of development institutions (+10,000).

How:

A carefully selected range of relevant topics drawing on reprints of key texts as well as concise commissioned articles that are well introduced/placed, accompanied by suggestions for further readings. Size about 80,000 words.

Written by:

Thought leaders as well as practitioners, outside as well as from within SNV. Edited by SNV to provide a logic relevant for practitioners. Possible partnership with others will be explored.

Related publications:

Earthscan series on capacity for development (Browne; Fukuda-Parr, et al; Lopes and Theisohn). Intrac books on CB for NGOs (e.g., Hailey and James, 2007).