Capacity Building Program Research Articles

Environmental Management Practices and Sustainable Green Concrete Use in Malaysia's Construction Industry: Challenges, Benefits, and Future Directions

This review examines the environmental management practices (EMPs) employed within Malaysia's construction sector, with a particular focus on sustainable practices and the adoption of green concrete, including fly ash, rice husk ash, and palm oil fuel ash varieties. The study identifies key challenges, such as low awareness, high costs, weak legal enforcement, and the underdevelopment of green materials in the country. To address these issues, the report proposes solutions such as capacity-building programs, government incentives like tax breaks and grants, regular site inspections, and investment in research and development of green materials. The review also assesses the advantages and limitations of different green concrete types used in Malaysia. The aim of this study is to enhance sustainability efforts and reduce the environmental impact of construction activities through greater awareness, stronger regulatory support, and commitment from all stakeholders. Implementing greener concrete and EMPs is expected to not only mitigate environmental concerns but also yield long-term economic benefits for Malaysia.

Bridging the implementation gap for climate mitigation in ASEAN: a comprehensive capacity-building framework

PurposeThe paper systematically examines the capacity building needs of energy and climate stakeholders in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). It looks at conditions and opportunities for improvements in institutional, organisational, technological, innovation and financing capacities. This paper provides a guide to concrete capacity building programs and implementations to accelerate the implementation of National Determined Contributions (NDCs) and low-carbon energy transition in the ASEAN region.Design/methodology/approachThis paper proposes a comprehensive capacity-building framework, drawing on transition management theory and the interactive systems framework for capacity building. The assessment is based on interviews with representatives of the ministry responsible for energy policy and the ministry responsible for climate policy in each ASEAN country, as well as a survey among a broader set of Southeast Asian energy and climate experts from academia, think tanks and international development partners.FindingsThe paper identifies the priority areas for capacity building for each ASEAN country and the region as a whole. Each country has a unique set of needs and priorities. At the regional level, the widest capacity gaps were observed in institutional capacity, technical capacity, human resources capacity, financing capacity and the capacity to develop policy and legislation. Specific gaps for capacity building are discussed in delivering strategic areas of energy transition, such as electrification of transportation, development of the green supply chain, deploying renewable energy, energy efficiency, strengthening finance and investment and reducing dependencies on fossil fuels.Originality/valueThis paper helps fill the gap for detailed capacity needs analysis and facilitates long-term plans/strategies and their implementation. The insights help to increase ASEAN energy and climate stakeholders’ understanding of the interaction between energy and climate, therefore enhanced capability in developing more effective action maps and intervention points in achieving NDCs and sustainable development goals.

Towards maximizing geospatial data usage in north eastern India using open-source scalable user-centric applications

Abstract. The north eastern region of India is characterized by limited physical connectivity and challenging terrain, that requires innovative approaches for effective developmental planning and monitoring using geospatial data and user-centric applications. This paper focuses on leveraging space-based data and applications to address these challenges and enhance decision-making processes in governance. A unified framework for interoperable spatial data sharing has been developed, ensuring that data is easily discoverable, searchable, and consumable through metadata standards and OGC interoperable data services. A dedicated spatial data repository has been established, offering real-time access to over 1400 geospatial datasets and facilitating better decision-making and geo-analytics among diverse user groups. The repository operates on an open-source platform with integrated map viewers and geo-analytics tools, allowing for interactive exploration and visualization of geospatial data. Additionally, 35 user-centric geospatial applications have been operationalized, all developed using open-source geospatial tools and standards. Capacity building programs have been conducted to increase awareness and maximize the utilization of geospatial data services and applications across the region. The platform has boosted utilization of geospatial data services and applications in the region for overall planning and developmental activities for smart governance and societal benefits.

Effect of Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge Framework based Capacity Building Programme Module (CBPM) on Teaching Aptitude of Pre-Service Teachers

Technology integration in education transcends the mere implementation of technological artefacts, encompassing theoretical frameworks and evidence-based research findings to enhance pedagogical practices rather than being limited to the rudimentary application of computer hardware and software in instructional delivery. This study employed a quasi-experimental methodology, utilising a pre-test/post-test equivalent group design incorporating the Solomon four-group paradigm to generate quantitative data from pre-service teachers enrolled in undergraduate teacher education programmes. Statistical analyses, including descriptive measures of means, standard deviations and standard errors of means, demonstrated a significant favourable influence of a Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework-based capacity-building programme Module on the teaching aptitude of pre-service teachers.

Disaster Preparedness and capacity building for Resilience in Agriculture

Abstract. Agriculture faces unprecedented challenges due to the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters and extreme weather events. Agriculture sector needs resilience to support food production and livelihoods because it is susceptible to cyclones, floods, droughts, soil erosion, pests, and disease outbreaks. Geospatial technology plays a significant role in disaster management for agriculture, offering tools for preparedness, response, and recovery. This study explores the role of geospatial technology in early warning systems and risk assessment for different types of natural disasters that impact agriculture activity. Sustainable farming practices that are essential for resilience include crop diversity, climate-resilience varieties, and adaptation strategies. Capacity building and training are vital for effective geospatial technology utilization, especially in developing countries like India, where infrastructure and technology access may be limited. Tailored capacity-building programs are essential, emphasizing climate-smart practices, sustainable land management, and post-disaster recovery strategies. Access to financial services and insurance schemes enhances resilience by helping farmers cope with losses and recover from disasters. In order to improve resilience and sustainability in agriculture, geospatial decision support systems make it possible to evaluate alternative planning, optimise resource allocation, and implement adaptive management.

Increasing the Awareness of the Benefits of Earth Observation Applications through the Space Information Infrastructure Capacity Building and Training Program (SIICaP)

Abstract. Earth observation (EO) applications offer significant potential for addressing challenges and driving sustainable development in the Philippines. Despite the positive effect EO services can bring, its utilization encounter barriers that includes the lack of awareness of its benefits. The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) initiated the Space Information Infrastructure Capacity Building and Training Program (SIICaP) that aims to promote awareness of EO applications through free and inclusive online webinar platforms. This paper highlights the various webinars conducted by SIICaP showing their relevance in raising awareness of EO data, services, and programs. The analysis of evaluation results from the webinar participants further illustrates the program’s reach and success. By showcasing SIICaP, this paper contributes to efforts in developing capacity building programs that aim to have the same objectives of SIICaP.

Geomatics: Technology and Applications - A Training Programme for Women Scientists

Abstract. Geomatics, also known as geospatial technology and geomatics engineering, analyzes spatially referenced geographical information. Geomatics is a scientific term. It consists of tools and techniques. Technology is advancing, and modern Geomatics has the utility of maps by analyzing it with many coverages, each with interrelated themes combined to give meaningful answers for decision-makers. A multidisciplinary approach is essential to analyze spatial and nonspatial parameters together for decision-making at the local and global levels. Spatial information represented in the form of thematic maps about the respective attribute data, the system called, Geographical Information System (GIS), has been more popular during the last decades in government and private sectors. The decision support system can take input of data from these sources and analyze multiple parameters together to plan and manage available resources. This training program was intended for women scientists, researchers, academia, and professionals who were engaged and using spatial information, and who wanted to add and upgrade their skills. It was anticipated that a proportion of the trainee participants would come from research and academia. This training program helped participants generate interest in the use of GIS technology in their respective research and professional domains. This paper elaborately describes the process, and structure of the short-term capacity-building training program, and its usefulness for young scientists and professionals, specifically a target group is ‘women in science’ who have not been able to remain in the continue its use and are interested in building a career in geospatial technology field.

DRONES4BLUECARBONSEAGRASS: A Capacity-Building Program for Mapping Seagrasses using Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Technology in the Philippines

Abstract. Coastal blue carbon ecosystems, such as mangrove forests and seagrass meadows, are important for various environmental functions, serving as habitats, food sources, and carbon sinks. Despite their importance, seagrass ecosystems are experiencing global decline due to numerous stressors, including anthropogenic activities. To address this, effective monitoring and management strategies are crucial. Traditional in situ surveys for seagrass monitoring are labor-intensive and time-consuming. Alternatively, remote sensing technologies, particularly satellite imagery, offer a more efficient means of mapping seagrass distribution over large areas. However, accurately assessing seagrass cover at a local scale remains challenging with satellite data alone. Recently, unmanned aerial system (UAS) technology has emerged as a promising approach for seagrass mapping. With its fine resolution and flexibility for image acquisition, UAS can provide more precise estimates of seagrass cover, complementing satellite data. This integration enhances accuracy assessments and expands data availability for training and validation purposes. Under the BlueCARES Project, a drone training program was developed to equip stakeholders with the skills needed for cost-effective UAS-based seagrass mapping. The drone training program encompasses lectures on UAS basics, flight planning, and image processing. Beyond training, collected data are used to create seagrass maps and assess seagrass density. This initiative not only advances seagrass conservation but also fosters collaboration between government agencies, academia, and local communities to achieve sustainable management of blue carbon ecosystems.

Civil Service Reforms in Nigeria

Adequate and effective management of the civil service are critical to sustainable socio – economic development of any nation. In Nigeria, as in most countries in Africa, the civil service has declined in proficiency, probity and morale in the past decades. Consequently, the State’s capability and potential to fulfill its responsibilities as service providers to the citizens has declined and progressively a crisis developed in the Nigerian civil service. In order to improve service delivery, successive post – independent governments have undertaken various civil service reforms to reposition the skills, capability, influence and morale of the civil servants. Yet, the civil servants have remained ineffective, demotivated, have low morale, limited training, low capacity and capability to perform their functions. This study reviews the various civil service reforms in post – independence Nigeria and their short comings. It also considers the challenges encountered by these reform initiatives. The secondary means of data collection was employed. The study concludes that civil service reforms have remained difficult to implement due to strong institutional, political, administrative and psychological hindrances. The study recommends that the government should collaborate with various stakeholders like political leaders, the media, civil society organizations, private sector and the international community. Their cooperation and synergy are highly needed for reforms to be successful. Government should also invest in human capital development by organizing capacity building programmes and also implement good welfare packages that will motivate workers to put in their best to see that government’s business and reforms are well implemented among others.

University instructors’ and students’ perceptions of blended learning and perceived determinant factors

The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of instructors and students towards blended learning and perceived determinant factors at Jimma University. A concurrent mixed-methods research design was used. Data were collected from 145 students and 70 instructors by using questionnaires and interviews. The findings showed that both instructors and students confirmed the lack of facilities, lack of technological knowledge, and instructors’ lack of technological pedagogical knowledge. On the other hand, both instructors and students believed that the BL approach had a positive impact on students learning. In addition, the major challenges identified were teachers’ increasing workload, lack of access to internet connections, non-compliance of learners’ educational backgrounds to permit effective use of BL, non-suitability of the approach for all learning styles, slow internet connectivity, lack of organization of blended learning materials, and lack of IT knowledge. Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that the concerned university officials give thoughtful attention to the provision of necessary facilities to implement BL and design appropriate training and capacity-building programs for university instructors and students to increase students' and instructors’ knowledge and skills in technology use. Keywords: Blended learning; challenges; determinant factors; instructors; perceptions

Needs assessment to design a multidisciplinary training programme within the EU-PROMENS project

Abstract Background Mental health as a public health issue warrants a comprehensive prevention-oriented approach whereby capacity building as well as a multisectoral and life-course approach are crucial. The ‘Capacity-building on mental health: multidisciplinary training programme and exchange programme for health professionals,’ project enhances and improves the capacity of professionals across Europe in the field of mental health. Various professionals are targeted 1) health professionals working in the mental health sector, 2) teachers and educators working in the educational setting, 3) social workers working in various community settings and 4) prison staff. Objectives To understand the needs, gaps, obstacles in capacities, competencies, and to build upon existing programmes a mixed methods study, adopting a convergent parallel design is conducted to design and develop the programme. First, a literature review is conducted complemented with interviews, focus group discussions and a survey among various stakeholders to enrich the data. The training will be piloted in The Netherlands, Spain, Czech Republic, Croatia, Finland and Austria. Thereafter it will be rolled out in the 21 remaining EU countries as well as in Norway, Iceland and Ukraine. Results Various gaps and competencies identified from different perspectives build a solid fundament for a comprehensive multidisciplinary training programme tailored to the needs of various professionals within the mental health arena. Preliminary results show that 98 multidisciplinary training programmes exist, with about half containing training materials and limited reports on evaluation. Conclusions The comprehensive needs assessment will assure a multidisciplinary training programme is suitable and relevant for various professionals to ensure a well-designed capacity-building programme. Key messages • Various gaps and needs among various professionals exist. • A comprehensive study strengthens alignment of training to needs and gaps among various professionals.

The Impact of Head-Teachers’ Leadership on Quality Management in Early Childhood Education Centers: A Case Study of Kajiado County, Kenya

This research examines how the leadership of head teachers affects quality control in Early Childhood Education (ECE) facilities located in Kajiado County, Kenya. Headteachers have a crucial role in managing resources, implementing effective teaching strategies, and creating an atmosphere that supports early childhood education. This study uses a mixed-methods approach to investigate how head teachers’ management and leadership styles affect staff motivation, student results, and the general quality of education. The results highlight important leadership issues facing the industry, including a lack of training, little government assistance, and sociocultural elements that influence early childhood education in remote areas. With suggestions for legislative changes and capacity-building programs aimed at improving Kajiado County’s educational standards, this study advances knowledge of leadership in the context of ECE centres.

The Role of Trade Officers in Enhancing Local Revenue Collection in Mpanda Municipal Council

The persistent under-collection of local revenues in Mpanda Municipal Council undermines the council's financial autonomy and leads to continued reliance on central government funding. This study aimed to evaluate the role of Local Government Authority (LGA) trade officers in revenue collection as a strategic initiative to diminish this dependency. To address this issue, the study employed a convergent mixed-method design rooted in pragmatism, allowing for the integration of qualitative and quantitative data to provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing revenue collection. The research involved a population of 75 individuals, including personnel from the trade and industry unit, collectors, revenue officials, and business owners within the district council. A sample of 63 respondents participated in the study, with 46 responding to questionnaires and 17 business owners interviewed. Data were gathered through a combination of these methods, analyzed to capture both numerical trends and in-depth perspectives. The findings underscore the critical importance of strategic revenue management practices, well-informed trade officers, and effective revenue supervision in reducing reliance on central government funding. These insights bear significant implications for policymakers and local government officials aspiring to bolster financial self-sufficiency and ensure sustainable fiscal governance in Mpanda Municipal Council. To address these challenges, the study recommends a focus on comprehensive training and capacity-building programs for trade officers to enable them to autonomously manage revenue collection processes.

A comprehensive review of integrating biostimulants and biopesticides for organic berry farming: exploring challenges and opportunities for Africa

Agriculture plays a pivotal role in Africa, contributing significantly to sustainable farming practices and the establishment of resilient food systems. Within this context, the use of various types of biostimulants, including microbial biostimulants such as Plant Growth-Promoting microorganisms (PGPM) and non-microbial products like Algal extract, humic acid, and protein hydrolysates, as well as biopesticides, emerges as a promising strategy to bolster sustainable agriculture, particularly in the realm of organic berry production. These substances have the potential to enhance crop growth, fortify stress tolerance, and optimize nutrient absorption, benefiting both human health and the environment. This paper aims to explore the opportunities and challenges associated with incorporating plant biostimulants into organic berry production within the African agricultural sector. To achieve this objective, an extensive and comprehensive review encompassing scientific literature, policy documents, and global data was conducted. The primary focus of this review was to investigate the current state of biostimulant adoption in organic berry farming within the African agricultural sector, with a specific emphasis on identifying potential opportunities and discussing the benefits derived from their application. Additionally, we addressed the challenges encountered and proposed practical approaches to achieving sustainable agriculture. The findings and conclusions of our review reveal the transformative potential of biostimulants in organic berry production. The evidence points to remarkable advancements in plant growth, plant health, overall yield, and fruit nutritional quality. By implementing these substances, we can also minimize the ecological footprint of agricultural practices. However, several challenges remain, including limited accessibility, insufficient awareness and knowledge regarding biostimulant usage, and a shortage of research specific to African agriculture. To overcome these challenges and achieve sustainable agriculture, this paper recommends practical approaches such as raising awareness, investing in research and development, and promoting the use of biostimulants through policy interventions and capacity-building programs. We underscore the importance of stakeholder participation and local adaptations for effectively integrating biostimulants in African agriculture. The significance of integrating plant biostimulants in organic berry production lies in advancing sustainable agriculture. This paper aims to explore the opportunities and challenges associated with incorporating plant biostimulants into organic berry production within Africa.

Food Sovereignty and Food Rights

What is food sovereignty? What is food rights? In the recent past I have had the privilege to attend two amazing events here in Nairobi. One, the graduation of the third cohort of African Food Fellows started by scholars at Wageningen University in the Netherlands, and the other at the World Agroforestry Centre's Gigiri campus in Nairobi as African Plant Breeding Academy Fellows graduated the third cohort. My one common observation is that we have amazing programs elevating brilliant young Africans to a level where they can confidently address issues of hunger, malnutrition and poverty. African food fellows are made to provide leadership in this sector and only do so once they have been equipped with the appropriate tools and knowledge. The plant breeders are equipped with new skills in breeding that enable them to expand their performance and work. In both situations and I am sure in many more, governance and policies still come out as real concerns. In all this I see young people who are passionate about making a difference in their countries and on the continent, about impacting the ground and wanting to ensure food rights for the vulnerable amongst us. These young people will understand that food sovereignty means us valuing and protecting our food culture and food sources, and providing for the vulnerable: elderly, the disabled, and the income-less. The young people need to be passionate about food rights and hopefully will be in decision making positions where they ensure that nobody ever goes to bed hungry. They will do so because unlike now, they will understand the issues. What we need now is help for more capacity building programs.

Exploring sustainable food supply chain management practices to enhance food security

Background: The food industry faces longstanding challenges in meeting sustainability practices within its supply chain, often prioritising commercial obligations and profit motives. However, there is a growing recognition of the critical role that sustainable food supply chain management (SFSCM) practices play in enhancing food security.Objectives: This study aims to establish the significance of SFSCM practices in enhancing food security. Furthermore, the study explores approaches to reduce challenges against implementation of SFSCM practices.Method: The study employed a qualitative approach and used stratified and purposive sampling techniques to interview 22 participants from a population of 9 gatekeeper institutions within the Zimbabwean food industry.Results: The findings highlighted several essential SFSCM practices covering waste management, logistics optimisation, water and energy conservation, employing qualified individuals, carbon emission reduction, corporate social responsibility, cost reduction, pricing efficiency, fair food distribution and continuous consumer taste surveys. Approaches to reduce SFSCM implementation challenges were also identified, and these include stakeholder communication plans, capacity building programmes, integrating sustainability into mission statements, budget allocation, lobbying for government support, and fostering collaborative engagements. Open information sharing was also emphasised.Conclusion: It is concluded that the adoption of identified SFSCM practices by food producers, intermediaries, suppliers, consumers and other stakeholders can significantly enhance food security and minimise hunger in nations.Contribution: This article contributes to the understanding of addressing SFSCM implementation challenges and provides valuable insights into the importance of sustainable practices in improving food security within the Zimbabwean food industry and the world at large.

Roles of Women Engagement in Managing WASH Projects in Rural Areas: A Case Study of Mufindi District, Tanzania

Women’s participation in managing Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) projects is crucial for the sustainability and success of these initiatives, yet remains significantly limited, particularly in rural areas. This cross-sectional study, conducted with 163 participants, explores the challenges and opportunities surrounding women’s roles in WASH project management, focusing on their participation, the influence of cultural practices, and the availability of capacity-building programs to support women's leadership. Findings show that while women engage in community outreach and planning, their leadership and decision-making roles are restricted by traditional gender roles and patriarchal norms. A lack of training programs further limits their leadership potential. Additionally, the study highlights a severe shortage of training programs aimed at empowering women to assume leadership roles in WASH management, particularly in rural areas where access to these resources is most limited. The study recommends gender-sensitive policies and expanded training initiatives to promote women’s inclusion and leadership in WASH management, essential for achieving sustainable outcomes.

The Neotropical Biodiversity Mapping Initiative: Transforming Venezuelan biodiversity monitoring and capacity building

Tropical Latin America is home to an enormous share of the world's biodiversity. Despite its immense natural wealth, the region faces a significant deficit of reliable biodiversity data and lacks the local capacity necessary to collect such data. The Neotropical Biodiversity Mapping Initiative (NeoMaps or NeoMapas) is a long-term biodiversity monitoring program. NeoMaps has not only addressed these gaps in biodiversity data in one of the megadiverse tropical countries, Venezuela, but has also emerged as a model for efficiently surveying biodiversity while strengthening the local capacity needed to conduct these surveys. After three nationwide systematic surveys and international field courses in 2006, 2009, and 2010, NeoMaps assembled an invertebrate collection and biodiversity database with over 170,000 records of occurrence and abundance for birds, dung beetles, and butterflies. NeoMaps activities lead to direct outcomes by reducing biodiversity knowledge gaps for three taxonomic groups and training more than 60 conservationists from Venezuela, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Uruguay, and Spain. NeoMaps had a broader impact on national capacity building programs, and made important contributions for improving, sharing and applying national biodiversity knowledge.

Cross-Border Cooperation and Land-Use: Studying Two European Cities in the Period 2000–2018

ABSTRACT Cross-Border Cooperation (CBC) denotes the joint effort and harmonization of endeavors between neighboring countries or geographically connected regions. It encompasses collaborative initiatives spanning economic, political, social, and environmental domains. Land Use (LU) dynamics are one of the main topics in the interests of sustainable development studies, particularly in the territories facing high socioeconomic and environmental concerns and challenges. Therefore, we used a four-stage methodology: data collection; case study selection criteria; analysis of case studies; and, finally, the relation between CBC and LU for sustainable development. The study provides us with some exciting guidelines about actions to promote sustainable development through CBC (in the case studies) – i.e. promote knowledge sharing and best practices among successful cities; Offer capacity-building programs to enhance skills in sustainable land use planning and CBC; or foster collaboration on common projects and create communication networks for regular interaction.

Assessing the capacity building programs pursued by university libraries in Meru County, Kenya

Changing user demands require libraries to develop unique capabilities for supporting the delivery of quality teaching, learning, and research. This shift further requires librarians to develop competencies in handling emergent technologies, dissemination of information, scholarly communication, and strategy formulation. Nevertheless, there has been an overreliance on conventional ways that have stifled innovation and creativity in most libraries, raising questions on continuous training programs for information professionals. The purpose of the study was to assess capacity-building programs pursued by university libraries in Meru County. The study used a qualitative approach and employed a case study research design. The Technology Organization Environment Model guided the study. The units of analysis were KeMU and MUST university libraries, and the unit of observation was 15 university library staff, specifically, 2 university library heads and 13 heads of library sections who were selected through the purposive sampling method. The study interviewed university librarians and conducted Focus Group Discussions [FGDs] with library heads of sections. The two FGDs comprised 5 and 7 participants in KeMU and MUST respectively. Validity of the instruments was established by conducting a pretest at Chuka University Library to appraise the dependability of interview and FGDs questions. One librarian and 2 library section heads participated. Data was analysed using content analysis and thematic categorization. The study identified several capacity-building initiatives undertaken by libraries which included leadership training, customer care training, information retrieval skills development and training on reference management systems. This led to a conclusion that library staff were prepared to deliver quality services through a combination of skill enhancement. Notably, the study highlighted opportunities for library personnel to engage in ongoing professional development. It urges library management to organize seminars and workshops periodically to help its staff to keep abreast with latest developments and innovations in the field of library science.