Capacity Building Research Articles

Towards understanding capacity development as a system: perceptions from multiple conservation stakeholder groups in Bhutan

Summary Capacity development is crucial for enduring conservation success. Recent scholarship has called for a systems perspective based on input from local stakeholders to better understand and develop conservation capacity. However, few studies have adopted such an approach to explore interactions among capacities or how capacity development needs and priorities evolve. We address this gap through a case study from Bhutan, centred on perceptions from 52 local conservation practitioners, planners, funders and community members. We use mixed methods to identify which capacities have been important for conservation success, which capacities are needed for future success, which capacities are foundational and how capacities interact. We find that capacity needs have shifted from individual-level knowledge and skills to community- and societal-level capacities in response to changing political and economic dynamics. Participants identified political support and leadership, reliable and sufficient funding, strengthening the research base, and increasing community awareness and engagement as critical future needs. Investing in these capacities holds the promise of further augmenting capacity development, thus increasing the value of limited resources. Our results demonstrate that capacity development should be viewed as a dynamic process and supported by strategic investment even in countries with track records of conservation success.

Initiating systemic capacity development for leadership from the bottom-up: a realist evaluation of a leadership innovation in a South African health district.

The need for leadership in and of district health systems is critical for the effective delivery of services and for inter-sectoral collaboration for health. Leadership capacity development has not, however, been prioritised within health systems and the systemic capacity (i.e. roles, structures, and processes) that is needed to develop managers who can lead is not always in place. This paper aims to contribute to understanding how to build such capacity, considering a relevant bottom-up innovation. We observed, in the period 2013 - 2015, the emergent implementation of this innovation (a 'Leadership Commission') in a South African health district. What started out as an effort to train individual leaders evolved into the development of systemic capacity for leadership capacity development (LCD). We adopted realist evaluation as the main methodological approach, as well as case study design; and we first developed a programme theory of the internally driven LCD initiative, through a round of interviews with senior managers. We then tested the programme theory drawing on fourteen in-depth interviews and field notes of meetings and processes. Our analysis suggests that building systemic capacity for LCD requires leadership to be expressed as a strategic priority by those with positional authority; and that bottom-up LCD requires institutional commitment through strengthening routine structures or creating new ones. The ability to leverage existing resources is another key element of systemic capacity. The mechanisms that enable bottom-up capacity development include tacit and experiential knowledge, sensemaking, systems thinking, and trust between, and motivation of, those tasked with leading LCD. Leadership development is constrained by increased workloads for those involved if the prioritisation of leadership becomes simply an additional task, and sustainability challenges are likely in the absence of additional resources for bottom-up innovation.

Examining the Effect of Resource Constraints on Teaching and Learning of Grade 12 Mathematics in Gauteng Community Learning Centres

The study focused on the effects of resource constraints on the teaching and learning of Grade 12 Mathematics in Gauteng Community Learning Centres (CLCs) in South Africa. It highlighted the historical and socio-economic context of apartheid and its enduring effects on educational inequalities. The lack of resources in CLCs, including substandard facilities, scarcity of teaching materials, and under-resourced teachers, was identified as a persistent issue. Grade 12 Mathematics is a vital subject for higher education and career paths, and proposed solutions include using deliverology and implementation science to mitigate these challenges.The methodology involved a multiple-case study design, with semi-structured interviews conducted with Grade 12 Mathematics teachers in CLCs in the Gauteng North region. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data gathered from the interviews. The findings highlighted a severe lack of resources in CLCs, reliance on out-dated and borrowed materials, and a heavy burden on teachers to supply resources. Challenges included limited access to basic materials, financial and logistical strains on teachers, and a negative impact on teaching quality. Furthermore, the implications of these findings suggest that addressing resource constraints through these frameworks could significantly enhance the quality of Mathematics education in CLCs. The study recommends a strategic approach using deliverology and implementation science, focusing on structured goal setting, capacity building, stakeholder engagement, continuous improvement, policy advocacy, and technology integration to improve Grade 12 Mathematics delivery. These recommendations are aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of resource constraints and improving the teaching and learning of Grade 12 Mathematics in CLCs.

Exploring AI-driven solutions for Libyan agriculture: Current applications and strategic pathways

This paper aims to investigate the usability of AI in the agriculture sector for Libyan business development. The study employs an online survey with an interview with an expert to gather insights from participants operating in the agriculture sector in Libya. The survey comprises a set of questions covering various aspects related to AI adoption in agriculture business development. The collected data helped to assess the current utilization of AI technologies, identify potential areas of improvement, and explore the perceptions and expectations regarding AI's future role in Libyan agriculture. The findings provide a valuable general insight into the current state of AI adoption in agriculture sector in Libya, highlighting both the progress made and the areas where further efforts are needed to fully leverage the potential of AI technologies for sustainable and efficient agricultural practices. The finding indicated that addressing challenges related to infrastructure, data availability, and capacity building will be crucial in realizing the full potential of AI in Libyan agriculture. Collaborative efforts between stakeholders and supportive policy frameworks are essential for successful AI integration and the transformation of agricultural practices in Libya. These results help to support policymakers, businesses, and stakeholders interested in leveraging AI to enhance agricultural practices and promote sustainable business development in Libya.

Transforming library systems in Africa: advancing literacy and cultural preservation through digital innovation

Transforming library systems in Africa is essential for advancing literacy and preserving cultural heritage in an increasingly digital world. The integration of digital innovation into African libraries has the potential to revolutionize access to information, promote lifelong learning, and safeguard indigenous knowledge. This review explores the role of modern technologies, such as digital archiving, e-libraries, and mobile platforms, in enhancing literacy rates and preserving Africa's rich cultural traditions. By transitioning from traditional, print-based models to digital systems, libraries can bridge the educational gap in underserved communities, offering wider access to educational resources and promoting literacy at all levels. Additionally, digitization facilitates the preservation of local languages, oral histories, and cultural artifacts, ensuring that future generations can engage with Africa's diverse heritage. The challenges of digital transformation in African library systems, including limited infrastructure, funding, and digital literacy, are also discussed. The review emphasizes the need for strategic investments in technology, capacity building, and policy frameworks to create a sustainable digital ecosystem. By harnessing digital innovation, African libraries can evolve into dynamic centers of learning and cultural preservation, contributing to both socio-economic development and the protection of African identities. This transformation is critical to fostering a more educated, culturally aware, and globally connected African society.

Integrating Social Needs into Health Care: An Implementation Science Perspective.

Unmet social needs (e.g., housing instability, food insecurity, transportation barriers) impact a patient's ability to participate in health-seeking behaviors (e.g., physical activity, routine preventive care) and to achieve optimal health. A rapidly growing number of health care systems are incorporating social needs screening and assistance into clinical workflows, yet many implementation and sustainability challenges exist and require collaboration with social service organizations. This review highlights implementation approaches used within this rapidly changing US landscape and uses implementation science frameworks to systematically identify multilevel barriers to and facilitators of implementing and sustaining social needs care. Policies and economic investments are necessary as they determine critical barriers and facilitators within the clinical and social service contexts. Implementation may be further strengthened by cross-sector engagement, evidence-based implementation strategies, and capacity building within clinical and social service organizations. Successful, sustained implementation of social needs care may improve the quality of health care, population health, and health equity.

Perceptions of healthcare providers on factors affecting lean sustainability in the hospitals under the Ministry of Health Malaysia

ABSTRACT Introduction Despite the recognized benefits of continuous improvement programs such as lean methodologies, understanding of how to sustain these practices in Malaysia's public health sector remains limited. This qualitative study aims to explore perceptions of both policymakers and hospital-based healthcare providers (HCPs) on the factors affecting the sustainability of lean within the Ministry of Health (MOH) hospitals in Malaysia. Methods Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 14 participants, including policymakers and hospital-based HCPs, using purposive sampling. A deductive thematic analysis was employed to analyze the data. Results This study delineated ten primary themes: (1) Fostering lean expertise through capacity building, (2) Lean implementation approaches and processes, (3) Monitoring and evaluation of lean with performance indicators, (4) Encouraging positive behavioral change among HCPs in lean, (5) Disseminating lean findings, (6) Establishing policy for lean, (7) Incentivizing lean practices, (8) Leadership in lean practices, (9) Building and strengthening organizational capacity and (10) Values of lean. Conclusion Insights from this study reflected that sustaining lean in the MOH is a complex process and involves a multifaceted approach. Health organizations seeking to improve lean sustainability are encouraged to incorporate the themes highlighted in this study.

Applications of remote sensing technology in agriculture: A review of contributions to food security challenges and strategies in developing countries

In the agricultural sphere, particularly in developing countries where food security is still a major concern, remote sensing technology has also surfaced as an important tool. In this review, the usages of remote sensing in agricultural areas and its contributions to food security are surveyed; The overall framework is illustrated dynamically by indicating available image platforms that were instrumental for agriculture application paradigms. This research identifies certain areas where some selected case studies and existing literature are reviewed to serve as proof that remote sensing technology has been tremendously impactful. Areas like crop monitoring, yield prediction, or natural resource management have been very well reported by the literature review process adopted. This field analysis of related studies used highly sophisticated RS sensor data. The challenges like data availability, technological limitations, and socio-economic factors have been discussed besides the strategies, for instance, capacity building, policy interventions, and prospects for technological advancements. These results underscore the vitality and adoption of remote sensing technologies in agricultural practices and policies which is the key driver of improved food security in developing countries.

A policy framework on AI usage in developing countries and its impact

The rapid growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents both significant opportunities and challenges for developing countries. A well-structured policy framework is crucial to maximize the benefits of AI while mitigating its risks. This review proposes a comprehensive AI policy framework tailored to developing countries, emphasizing the need for robust infrastructure, capacity building, ethical governance, and economic incentives. Key elements include the development of digital infrastructure, education and training programs to enhance AI literacy, and ethical guidelines to ensure fairness and transparency in AI applications. Data governance and privacy protections are critical, particularly in countries where regulatory frameworks are underdeveloped. Furthermore, international cooperation is highlighted as a necessity for aligning local policies with global AI standards, facilitating cross-border data sharing, and ensuring equitable access to AI innovations. The potential impact of AI on economic growth, job creation, healthcare, education, and public service delivery is profound, yet challenges such as workforce displacement, increased inequality, and the digital divide must be carefully managed. The proposed framework addresses these challenges, providing strategies to overcome barriers to AI adoption, including financial constraints, governance issues, and unequal access to technology. Moreover, it stresses the importance of fostering public-private partnerships and ensuring that AI development is inclusive, benefiting all segments of society. By implementing a comprehensive AI policy framework, developing countries can harness AI’s transformative power to drive sustainable development, improve social outcomes, and strengthen their economic standing in the global landscape. This review concludes by recommending continuous policy evaluation and adaptation to keep pace with AI's rapid evolution.

Overcoming implementation barriers to renewable energy in developing nations: A case study of Iran using MCDM techniques and monte carlo simulation

For most of the world's energy portfolio, particularly in developing countries, fossil fuels form a key dependency. The seventh aim of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal (SDG7) is to ensure that all people have readily available, consistent, sustainable, modern energy. Developing nations encounter a range of challenges, such as environmental concerns like air pollution and climate change, increasing energy and population demands, and limited resources. These challenges are associated with achieving net zero emissions as well as a shift to renewable, clean energy sources. Using Iran as a case study, this paper addresses the challenges to the advancement of renewable energy in developing nations. It provides strategies to overcome these challenges and raise the acceptance of environmentally friendly technologies. This study uses fuzzy logic, The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), and an integrated fuzzy logic and AHP (fuzzy-AHP) to evaluate and rank numerous solutions. We conducted a Monte Carlo simulation as a sensitivity analysis method to further confirm the robustness of the proposals. This simulation aimed to find out how various criterion weights influenced the ranking of multiple strategies, thereby providing a more sophisticated knowledge of their efficiency. The results indicate that Iran's primary needs, in order of priority, are "revising governmental policies," "enhanced capacity building," and "improving financial support mechanisms." The Monte Carlo simulation underscored the sensitivity of these approaches to changes in criteria weights, therefore reinforcing the validity of these conclusions.

Building Cybersecurity Culture in Education as Imperative for Youth to Thrive in Digital Society

This paper argues for integrating dedicated cybersecurity courses and programs within school and higher education curricula to drive mass cyber-socialization and develop responsible digital citizenship among youth. Immersive cybersecurity education through simulations, community linkages and holistic culture building can transform habits and mindsets to address risks like hacking, misinformation and privacy breaches students face online. Recommendations are provided for nationwide implementation through policy measures, public advocacy and educator capacity building. Mainstreaming cyber education can empower youth with competencies and values for secure and progressive digital futures.

Improving health outcomes in Cameroon through competency-based curricula and stakeholder engagement in accreditation

This review article explores the accreditation process for health personnel training in Cameroon, emphasizing its critical role in ensuring quality education and improving healthcare delivery. It begins with an overview of the current state of health education institutions and regulatory mechanisms, highlighting the need for robust national guidelines for accreditation. The review examines the importance of autonomous councils for each health specialty, emphasizing their role in establishing specialized standards, monitoring compliance, and promoting ethical values in training. It also discusses the historical context and evolution of accreditation, identifying past limitations and the necessity for updated standards. The strengths and challenges of the proposed guidelines are analyzed, focusing on their potential impact on the competence of health professionals. Comparative assessments with successful accreditation systems in other African nations, such as Nigeria and Ghana, provide valuable insights into best practices. The perspectives of various stakeholders, including government agencies, educational institutions, and healthcare providers, are examined. The article concludes with recommendations for enhancing accreditation processes, including capacity building and continuous stakeholder engagement, ultimately supporting the development of a competent healthcare workforce aligned with national health goals.

Building a theoretical framework for financial risk management in emerging markets: Applying global best practices to the oil and gas industry in developing economies

Financial risk management is crucial for the sustainability and growth of the oil and gas industry in developing economies, where volatility and regulatory uncertainties present significant challenges. This abstract explores the construction of a theoretical framework for financial risk management, adapting global best practices to the specific contexts of emerging markets within the oil and gas sector. In developing economies, the oil and gas industry faces unique risks such as geopolitical instability, currency fluctuations, and regulatory changes. Effective financial risk management mitigates these risks through proactive strategies that balance risk exposure with strategic objectives. Adopting global best practices involves the integration of comprehensive risk assessment methodologies, scenario planning, and hedging techniques tailored to local market conditions. Key components of the theoretical framework include risk identification through comprehensive analysis of market, operational, and financial factors. This approach enables oil and gas companies to anticipate and mitigate risks before they escalate, ensuring financial stability and resilience in volatile environments. Furthermore, the application of global best practices in financial risk management fosters transparency and accountability, enhancing investor confidence and facilitating access to capital. By aligning risk management strategies with international standards and benchmarks, developing economy oil and gas firms can navigate uncertainty more effectively, thereby optimizing operational performance and sustaining long-term growth. However, challenges such as limited access to sophisticated financial instruments and expertise may hinder effective implementation. Overcoming these barriers requires capacity building, collaboration with experienced partners, and continuous adaptation of strategies to evolving market dynamics. In conclusion, building a theoretical framework for financial risk management in the oil and gas industry in developing economies is essential for mitigating volatility and maximizing opportunities. By applying global best practices tailored to local contexts, companies can strengthen their resilience, attract investment, and drive sustainable development in emerging markets.

Achieving an equitable circular food economy in Vancouver

ABSTRACT Food loss and waste occur at an alarming rate while many households in the City of Vancouver are food insecure. Set within the context of City of Vancouver’s Zero Waste 2040 long-term strategic plan, the City seeks to promote a circular economy, including through food waste reduction and prevention, better food redistribution, and partaking in awareness campaigns. Food rescue and redistribution is often framed as a win–win solution to avoid throwing unwanted, unmarketable, or surplus foods from the landfill and instead redistributing the food to those who are food insecure. This solution has been framed as a useful tool to promote a circular economy. However, both food waste and food studies scholars have rightly noted that connecting unwanted foods with those who are food insecure to address systemic hunger is not a panacea, nor is it a systemic solution to prevent food waste. Drawing on key informant interviews with agri-food experts across the system (n = 20), this study identified the challenges, opportunities, and the overall vision of the circular food economy and how it is mobilised in the City of Vancouver. It seeks to understand how equity factors into the vision of a circular food economy and its implementation by agri-food and relevant actors. The findings in this study highlight the importance of dynamic governance systems that targets critical points for change including regulation, funding, and capacity building to ensure a circular food economy that considers equity and justice.

Foreword: Special issue of <i>Proceedings of the Linguistic Society of America</i> 2024

This special issue highlights presentations from an organized session at the 2024 annual meeting of the LSA celebrating the LSA’s Centennial. The goal of the session, and consequently of this issue, was to provide a vision for what the future of linguistics pedagogy can be like by featuring evidence-based instructional approaches already in use by linguists, reflecting on these approaches and the challenges that they aim to address, and building capacity for more linguists to engage in these practices and improve our students’ learning experiences.

Building capacity for the scholarship of teaching and learning in linguistics in Canada

Building capacity for the scholarship of teaching and learning in linguistics in Canada

КОНЦЕПТУАЛНА ПИТАЊА ОДГОВОРНОСТИ ЈАВНИХ СЛУЖБЕНИКА: ИСТРАЖИВАЊЕ СПРОВЕДЕНО У ЈЕДИНИЦАМА ЛОКАЛНЕ САМОУПРАВЕ У РЕПУБЛИЦИ СРБИЈИ

Public integrity, transparency and accountability have been identified as part of the founding principles of the public sector which should be enacted in legislation and applied consistently in practice. Effective implementation of the accountability principle shall underpin integrity of public service and its legal, professional and transparent operation.The purpose of the paper is to analyze conceptual issues of public officials' accounta­bility, focusing on disciplinary responsibility and application in practice. The paper also presents the results of the research conducted in 30 local self government units in the Re­public of Serbia. The results point out the (non)efficient implementation of legal and ethi­cal rules and values concerning disciplinary procedures, sanctions, performance appraisal system in the context of possible improvements and capacity building. In order to enhance public integrity, appropriate legislative and institutional frameworks must be in place to enable public-sector organizations to take responsibility for effectively managing the integ­rity of their activities, as well as that of the public officials who carry out those activities.

The Nature of Environmental Degradation and Inter-Ethnic Conflict in Meru County, Kenya

Environmental degradation continues to be one of the most serious challenges in achieving Kenya's Vision 2030 sustainable development goals. For instance, parts of Meru County where this study was done experience persistent conflict from environmental degradation and depletion of the natural resources, due to farming and livestock raring. The conflict pits the agriculturist Meru and other communities who are pastoralists. This study sought to examine the nature of environmental degradation and inter-ethnic conflict in Meru County, Kenya. This study employed phenomenological study research design using qualitative approach. The research instruments used were, interview guides and Focused Group Discussion guide (FDGs). The analysis of data was done thematically and presented as narrations and quoted verbatim. The study found that environmental degradation in Meru County is primarily driven by overgrazing, deforestation, and poor land management practices. These factors have led to soil erosion, water and pasture scarcity, and reduced agricultural productivity, which in turn escalate inter-ethnic conflicts between farmers and pastoralists. The analysis revealed that environmental degradation not only strains the already limited resources but also intensifies competition and disputes over land, pasture and water. The study concluded that there is a significant relationship between environmental degradation and escalating inter-ethnic conflicts in Meru County. Effective strategies to mitigate these issues include enhancing community engagement, implementing robust environmental policies, promoting sustainable land use practices, and fostering conflict resolution mechanisms. Addressing environmental degradation is crucial for reducing inter-ethnic conflicts and promoting peace and sustainable development in the region. To address environmental degradation in Meru County, prioritize sustainable agriculture, reforestation, and waste management to combat erosion and pollution; engage the community in conservation efforts, strengthen policies against harmful activities, and integrate land use plans to balance conservation and development.; implement conflict resolution mechanisms and revive traditional practices to enhance resilience; and capacity building and advocacy are key to fostering sustainable practices and ensuring long-term environmental stewardship.

The Current Development and Outlook of China Certified Emission Reduction Trading Scheme

China’s trading scheme for voluntary greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions, i.e. China Certified Emission Reduction (CCER), is an important policy tool to promote GHG emission reduction through market mechanisms and help achieve carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals (the “dual carbon” goals). The CCER trading scheme was initiated in 2012, and after five years of practical exploration, it has provided an effective channel for the whole society to actively participate in carbon emission reductions. Since 2023, the relevant state departments have issued the Measures for the Administration of Voluntary Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Trading (Trial) and released the first batch of four project-specific methodologies and five verification institutions, marking the basic completion of the institutional framework of the CCER trading market. In January 2024, the CCER trading market was officially launched, and has been operated in a stable and orderly way, with its policy role of low-cost emission reduction through market mechanisms gradually coming into play. It should be also noted that, in the early stage of its start-up, the market still faces problems such as insufficient market supply, uncertain integration with international schemes, and relatively lagging behind in capacity building, which need to be gradually addressed in the development process. On that basis, this paper gives an outlook.

EVALUATION OF THE REASONS FOR INFORMAL CHANGES OF CADASTRAL ATTRIBUTES OF GOVERNMENT RESIDENTIAL LAYOUTS IN BAUCHI TOWN, NIGERIA

In Nigeria, the Land Use Act requires that the cadastral attributes of ownership, size, and use by beneficiaries of statutory land allocation be changed only after obtaining the government's consent. It was observed that this requirement is violated in some residential layouts in Bauchi town. This paper sought the reasons why this is so. Data were collected from a low and medium-density layout where the changes were observed. A purposive sample of seventy-three respondents was interviewed using a designed template. Responses of the respondents were transcribed and coded into themes using the Nvivo 10 Software. The themes were summarised in percentages and the content was described. The reasons for the informal changes to the cadastral attributes of the layouts were found to be difficulty in accessing formal land (97.26%), ignorance of formal regulations (86.30%), and weak development control (84.93%). It is suggested that the government should catalyze the creation of layouts, scale up public enlightenment on policy requirements, and improve the efficiency of land agencies through capacity building and decentralization.