Inadequate local capacity and ineffective use of existing capacity continue to thwart development programs and processes. Weak institutions cannot effectively mobilize, organize, or utilize their capacity, often resulting in capacity misuse and eventual erosion. Strengthening human capacity is necessary but not sufficient for increasing the effectiveness of the development process. For successful design, implementation, and evaluation of development plans, programs, and policies, both human and institutional capacity needs strengthening. Research-based information on how to strengthen institutions and human capacity in developing countries is severely lacking.

Capacity strengthening is increasingly seen as central to the development process. Yet, past approaches to capacity building for development have yielded less than impressive results. Many capacity strengthening programs have not been sustained after the completion of externally funded projects. How can sustainable capacity be built within national systems? How can such capacity be put to best use? What incentives are needed to retain the strengthened capacity? What institutional innovations are needed to effectively manage the newly created capacity? Very little empirical evidence is available to answer these challenging development questions.

In addition to providing opportunities for strengthening policy research and analytical capacities as part of the implementation of research programs, IFPRI’s research and outreach programs also further the understanding of capacity challenges and lessons learned from different approaches. These programs provide selected opportunities for designing national and sectoral strategies for developing local capacities.

IFPRI’s research and training materials continue to be used as learning resources in postgraduate and short-term training programs in both developed and developing countries. The courses taught in these programs, which have been proactively identified as relating to IFPRI’s mission, have made it possible to reach out to an increased number of students and future policy analysts and researchers. In addition, newly emerging and accessible information and communication technologies have enabled us to reach out to hundreds of participants in research and academic institutions and nongovernmental and civil society organizations through e-learning approaches.