Capacity Development Activities Research Articles

Updated Common Evaluation Framework For IMF Capacity Development And Guidance Note

This document updates the Common Evaluation Framework (CEF) for the Fund’s capacity development (CD) activities and provides practical guidance on its implementation. Since its adoption, the Fund has made progress in implementing the CEF. However, areas for improvement remain. The document aims to address these areas, drawing on lessons from experience with evaluations since the CEF’s adoption.

Abstract B004: Capacity development among patient navigators to enhance colorectal cancer control in American Indian-serving healthcare facilities in the U.S. Southwest and Southern Plains

Abstract According to the Institute of Medicine’s National Cancer Policy Forum, the American Cancer Society, and the National Cancer Institute, cancer screening programs are partly responsible for declining colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality rates in the U.S. Unfortunately, American Indians (AIs) have experienced either no change or an increase in CRC incidence and mortality, disproportionate diagnosis of late stage disease and poorer survival. While, nearly two-thirds of U.S. adults are current with United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines for CRC screening, AI screening rates range from only 28% to 51% in the Southwest and Southern Plains regions. One evidence-based intervention strategy for increasing CRC screening recommended by the Community Preventive Services Task Force (CPSTF) is patient navigation. By offering interpretation, transportation, social support, and culturally and linguistically appropriate education and outreach, patient navigators are able to reduce structural barriers and facilitate access to screening. While researchers have documented effectiveness of patient navigation towards enhancing cancer screening among AI populations, few studies have elucidated best practices for training patient navigators to serve in this capacity. As an effort of the AI CRC Screening Consortium formed by the National Cancer Institute-Designated Cancer Centers at the Universities of Arizona, New Mexico, and Oklahoma, we trained a cadre of 21 individuals to serve as patients navigators in six unique AI-serving health clinics and communities in Oklahoma, Arizona, and New Mexico. We used a unique blend of didactic and interactive training components (i.e. role playing, games, and group dialogues). The 2.5-day curriculum centered upon a set of nine modules that included digestive system anatomy, USPSTF CRC screening guidelines, stool-based test procedures, direct visualization test procedures, CRC risk factors, CRC diagnosis and treatment, Transtheoretical Model and Motivational Interviewing, and patient navigation tips. A 36-item pre-/post-test was administered to assess the impact of training upon navigator capacity. Paired-sample t-tests were utilized to analyze mean differences in scales measuring two key constructs – CRC-specific knowledge and self-efficacy to engage in CRC control efforts. Evaluation findings demonstrated statistically significance increases in both CRC knowledge scores (pre-test mean = 7.8/12.0 vs. post-test mean 10.9/12.0, p=0.000) and self-efficacy scores (pre-test mean = 3.8/5.0 vs. post-test mean = 4.8/5.0, p=0.001). These findings demonstrate the value of robust capacity development activities with patient navigators prior to intervention as a means of not only increase knowledge about CRC and its associated screenings, but to also engender significant readiness and confidence among patient navigators to integrate CRC control into practice. Citation Format: Kevin C English, Cheyenne Jim, Jennifer Hatcher, Mark P Doescher, Shiraz I Mishra, Peter Lance, Dorothy Rhoades, Usha Menon. Capacity development among patient navigators to enhance colorectal cancer control in American Indian-serving healthcare facilities in the U.S. Southwest and Southern Plains [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2019 Sep 20-23; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl_2):Abstract nr B004.

Capacity challenges in water quality monitoring: understanding the role of human development

Monitoring the qualitative status of freshwaters is an important goal of the international community, as stated in the Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs) indicator 6.3.2 on good ambient water quality. Monitoring data are, however, lacking in many countries, allegedly because of capacity challenges of less-developed countries. So far, however, the relationship between human development and capacity challenges for water quality monitoring have not been analysed systematically. This hinders the implementation of fine-tuned capacity development programmes for water quality monitoring. Against this background, this study takes a global perspective in analysing the link between human development and the capacity challenges countries face in their national water quality monitoring programmes. The analysis is based on the latest data on the human development index and an international online survey amongst experts from science and practice. Results provide evidence of a negative relationship between human development and the capacity challenges to meet SDG 6.3.2 monitoring requirements. This negative relationship increases along the course of the monitoring process, from defining the enabling environment, choosing parameters for the collection of field data, to the analytics and analysis of five commonly used parameters (DO, EC, pH, TP and TN). Our assessment can be used to help practitioners improve technical capacity development activities and to identify and target investment in capacity development for monitoring.

Coordinated Capacity Development to Maximize the Contributions of Space Science, Technology, and its Applications in Support of Implementing Global Sustainable Development Agendas—A Conceptual Framework

Space science, technology, and its applications have the potential to make essential contributions to the implementation of global development agendas which encompass the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. Member States of the United Nations are ultimately responsible for implementing the development agendas at the national level. The use of Earth observation tools can provide timely and reliable input data to the Global Indicator Framework to directly follow-up and review some of the sustainable development goals 169 targets. The continued user of these tools gives Member States the capability to evaluate the effectiveness of actions taken to reach specific targets and to report on progress achieved or shortcomings that need to be addressed. For many countries, capacity development is an essential factor for making optimal use of solutions offered by space activities. A large number of stakeholders, including international, regional, and national entities, are providing relevant capacity development activities. This article provides a pragmatic conceptual framework for improved collaboration and coordination of capacity development to assist Member States to fully utilize the contributions of space science, technology, and its applications to implement the global development agendas and to benefit society. The proposed coordination of capacity development needs to be integrated into an overall results-based management approach for optimizing the use of space science, technology, and its applications in support of global development agendas.

IMF Policies and Practices on Capacity Development

This statement summarizes the IMF’s policies and practices with regard to the delivery of capacity development (CD) activities. It updates the 2014 Statement on IMF Policies and Practices on Capacity Development and reflects the conclusions of the 2018 Review of the Fund’s Capacity Development Strategy, approved by the Executive Board on November 14, 2018. The purpose of the statement is to consolidate the guiding principles endorsed by the Board with policies and practices that are within the authority of IMF’s management and are followed by staff in carrying out capacity development activities. The statement is expected to be of use to IMF staff, Executive Directors and their staff, country authorities, and donors. It also serves as a point of reference for future reviews of the IMF’s CD activities.

Systemic problems of capacity development for disaster risk reduction in a complex, uncertain, dynamic, and ambiguous world

The international community has been engaged in capacity development for decades, sometimes under different names or with a slightly different focus. So far, these efforts have failed to bring significant and sustainable change. The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 specifies capacity development as the means to reduce disaster losses substantially. The purpose of this paper is to offer a better understanding of the reasons behind the poor results with capacity development for disaster risk reduction (DRR). Twenty qualitative semi-structured interviews with high-level decision makers in the international community indicate systemic failure that requires a complete overhaul of the aid system. When analysing the discrepancies between principles for capacity development (ownership, partnership, contextualization, flexibility, learning, accountability, long-term, and sustainability) and the actual performance of actors operating in a complex, dynamic, uncertain, and ambiguous world, five interrelated problems emerge: (1) Clashing principles; (2) Quixotic control; (3) Mindset lag; (4) Lack of motivation for change; and (5) Power imbalances. Understanding and addressing these systemic problems is fundamental to the success of capacity development. It is not enough to blame the actors who implement capacity development activities for DRR, nor to merely rename it, yet again, after another few years of continuous frustration.

Integrating capacity development during digital health research: a case study from global health

ABSTRACTBackground: The Bloomberg Data for Health Initiative Research and Development Arm at Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, has thus far collected NCD risk factor data from more than 13,000 citizens of three LMICs (Bangladesh, Tanzania and Uganda), and has actively worked to improve capacity with partners worldwide.Objective: This paper focuses on how a research project, can also act as a capacity building activity through its research into collecting non-communicable disease risk factor data using different mobile phone modalities.Methods: This paper evaluates the activities undertaken by the project using the ESSENCE Planning Monitoring and Evaluation Framework for Research Capacity Strengthening.Results: The project was able to successfully integrate meaningful capacity development activities across all partners. Training, networking, sharing resources, joint data collection, and analysis across individual, organizational and project levels were some of the strategies used. The ESSENCE framework allowed a good assessment strategy for this type of work.Conclusions: This paper highlights the value of making capacity development a high priority for digital health research activities, while also considering the need to monitor and evaluate those activities in order for them to be meaningful and sustainable. It also considers how to utilize the ESSENCE Framework to evaluate capacity development activities through research, and how best to adapt the Framework to different programs.

FY2018–FY2020 Medium-Term Budget

The Fund has been operating under a flat real resource envelope for the past six years. With continued efforts to maximize the use of available resources, spending in FY 17 is projected to reach 99 percent of the net administrative budget, and a low vacancy rate has helped stabilize overtime at 11 percent. Internal savings and reallocations have allowed the Fund to dedicate more resources to country work, including capacity development, without requiring an increase in the approved budget—apart from $6 million provided in FY 17 to cover rising security costs. An unchanged real net administrative budget in FY 18, despite deeper Fund engagement in a number of areas, as well as increased costs for corporate modernization. Accordingly, the budget proposal incorporates significant savings from reallocations and efficiency gains to fund new demands, as well as a further increase in the upfront allocation of carry-forward funds by about $10 million. The broad themes of the proposal are: (i) more intensive country work with a shift from surveillance to programs, but net savings in field offices; (ii) significant policy and analytical work on the financial sector and the role of the Fund (global safety net, facilities, and quotas), albeit less than in FY 17, with more work on structural issues and new challenges; (iii) funding for transforming IT and HR services, offset by central savings; and (iv) enhanced risk mitigation and knowledge management (KM), with the establishment of a KM unit to support cross-country analysis and knowledge transfer. At this stage, a flat resource envelope is assumed also for the medium term, contingent on continued reprioritization and a broadly unchanged global economic environment. Upward pressure on resources will arise from growing capacity development activities and certain revenue losses. Savings are expected from the TransformIT initiative and internal efficiency gains. But for the budget to remain flat, the Fund will need to continuously reprioritize and adjust its activities to make room for new demands. Even then, a more challenging global environment, with a further ramping up of Fund lending, or significant demands for deeper engagement in other areas, would put significant strains on resources over the medium term. The proposed capital budget envelope for FY 18–20 remains broadly unchanged from current levels. Some frontloading, however, is planned for the first two years, due to the cyclical nature of these investments and to accommodate strategic IT projects.

New Common Evaluation Framework for IMF Capacity Development

new common evaluation framework for the Fund’s capacity development (CD) activities. The new common evaluation framework is intended to streamline current practices and increase comparability and use of results by adopting for all CD evaluations a common four-step process that includes use of the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) evaluation criteria. Around this common approach, there is flexibility to adapt evaluations to reflect the wide range of CD activities. Key elements of the framework are grouped around the objectives of: producing shorter, more focused, and more comparable evaluations; improving the information supporting evaluations;spending the same level of resources on evaluations while allocating these scarce resources more efficiently; and using the information from evaluations to alter practices or shift the targeting of CD resources.

Overcoming Dietary Assessment Challenges in Low-Income Countries: Technological Solutions Proposed by the International Dietary Data Expansion (INDDEX) Project.

An increasing number of low-income countries (LICs) exhibit high rates of malnutrition coincident with rising rates of overweight and obesity. Individual-level dietary data are needed to inform effective responses, yet dietary data from large-scale surveys conducted in LICs remain extremely limited. This discussion paper first seeks to highlight the barriers to collection and use of individual-level dietary data in LICs. Second, it introduces readers to new technological developments and research initiatives to remedy this situation, led by the International Dietary Data Expansion (INDDEX) Project. Constraints to conducting large-scale dietary assessments include significant costs, time burden, technical complexity, and limited investment in dietary research infrastructure, including the necessary tools and databases required to collect individual-level dietary data in large surveys. To address existing bottlenecks, the INDDEX Project is developing a dietary assessment platform for LICs, called INDDEX24, consisting of a mobile application integrated with a web database application, which is expected to facilitate seamless data collection and processing. These tools will be subject to rigorous testing including feasibility, validation, and cost studies. To scale up dietary data collection and use in LICs, the INDDEX Project will also invest in food composition databases, an individual-level dietary data dissemination platform, and capacity development activities. Although the INDDEX Project activities are expected to improve the ability of researchers and policymakers in low-income countries to collect, process, and use dietary data, the global nutrition community is urged to commit further significant investments in order to adequately address the range and scope of challenges described in this paper.

A framework for community participation in post-disaster housing reconstruction projects: A case of Afghanistan

The study aims to develop a framework for community participation that can inform a participatory approach more effectively when planning and developing post-disaster reconstruction projects. It focused on post-disaster housing reconstruction projects in Afghanistan. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore and explain the impact of the barriers upon community participation, and how such impact can be eliminated or reduced. The analysed results were extended to facilitate the development of a framework for more successful community participation in post-disaster reconstruction. This study identified five common barriers to community participation, which are: lack of community capacity, gender issues, lack of professional competence in NGOs, government policies and practices, and lack of adequate security. A logical framework is proposed as a pragmatic solution for community capacity development activities, which should lead to achieving the following objectives: to re-establish community structure; to encourage sense of project ownership; to provide disaster recovery support; and to provide livelihood opportunities.

MODEL PENINGKATAN KAPASITAS PENYULUH DALAM PEMANFAATAN INFORMASI IKLIM DI KABUPATEN INDRAMAYU DENGAN PENDEKATAN ANALISIS KEBERLANJUTAN

Capacity of extension agents in understanding climate forecasting and climate change is allegedly limited. Therefore, it is necessary to improve their capacity on this issue. Research was conducted between May to December 2014. Indramayu in West Java was choosen purposively, representing irrigated-land agroecosystem. Respondents were extension agents selected from Agricultural Extension of Fisheries and Forestry Services (BP3K) or Agricultural Extension Services (BPP)with their working area being considered high vulnerability to climate change. Total respondents were 59 extension agents randomly selected. There were three phases of dynamic hypothesis resulting in : 1) problem identification, 2) ideal capacity determination; and 3) model design. Methods of data collection were survey, interview, and focus group discussion (FGD). A RAP-FISH ordination technique through Multi Dimensional Scaling (MDS) was used to assess the existing extension capacity and identify sensitive attributes influencing the ability of the extension agents in the use of climate information through analysis of leverage in each variable. Results showed that accessibility to resources, information management and election of extension dimension methods were the dimensions to be considered for improving the extension agents capacity building in climate utilization. Therefore, a structural approach should be done through increased synergy between institutions involved in capacity building of extension agents and its resources. Moreover, synergy amongst sources of information should be conducted to encourage the roles of BP4K and BP3K in managing climate information. While the functional approach is done through re-designing capacity development activities on utilizing climate information, with the focus on improving the accessibility, information management, and selection of extension methods.

Tools and instruments for needs assessment, monitoring and evaluation of health research capacity development activities at the individual and organizational level: a systematic review.

BackgroundIn the past decades, various frameworks, methods, indicators, and tools have been developed to assess the needs as well as to monitor and evaluate (needs assessment, monitoring and evaluation; “NaME”) health research capacity development (HRCD) activities. This systematic review gives an overview on NaME activities at the individual and organizational level in the past 10 years with a specific focus on methods, tools and instruments. Insight from this review might support researchers and stakeholders in systemizing future efforts in the HRCD field.MethodsA systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar. Additionally, the personal bibliographies of the authors were scanned. Two researchers independently reviewed the identified abstracts for inclusion according to previously defined eligibility criteria. The included articles were analysed with a focus on both different HRCD activities as well as NaME efforts.ResultsInitially, the search revealed 700 records in PubMed, two additional records in Google Scholar, and 10 abstracts from the personal bibliographies of the authors. Finally, 42 studies were included and analysed in depth. Findings show that the NaME efforts in the field of HRCD are as complex and manifold as the concept of HRCD itself. NaME is predominately focused on outcome evaluation and mainly refers to the individual and team levels.ConclusionA substantial need for a coherent and transparent taxonomy of HRCD activities to maximize the benefits of future studies in the field was identified. A coherent overview of the tools used to monitor and evaluate HRCD activities is provided to inform further research in the field.

A Global Stocktake of UNICEF's Programme Activities on Public Finance for Children

This global stocktake examines past trends and performance to ascertain achievements and identify how UNICEF can further strengthen its engagement in public finance for children (PF4C). The exercise includes a desk review and targeted survey that captures information on PF4C activities in 116 country offices during 2009-13.PF4C describes UNICEF’s efforts to influence the transparency, efficiency, equity and adequacy of public investments in children. By undertaking this work, UNICEF is better able to address gaps in public funding, which particularly disadvantage the poorest and most marginalised children. Key goals of PF4C include influencing government decisions about spending on children and social services, reducing spending disparities among different population groups, and applying value for money approaches so that children benefit optimally from the resources available to enhance their wellbeing. As a programme stream, PF4C brings together sector-based and cross-cutting initiatives to influence budgetary frameworks (how the budget is put together) and public financial management (PFM) processes (how funds are transformed into public goods and services) for the benefit of children. The stocktake finds that UNICEF’s PF4C work takes many shapes and forms, involving diverse interventions, sectors and partners. Activities at the national level are increasingly complemented by engagement at subnational levels and being carried out across all country typologies, from extreme poor and fragile situations to high-income countries, including ones with UNICEF National Committees. UNICEF’s efforts in PF4C have achieved positive outcomes for children, demonstrating the potential to do even more. More than half of the country offices reviewed succeeded in removing public finance-related bottlenecks, paving the way to ensuring results for children. A greater equity focus is also emerging, including interventions to address revenue side concerns, influence intergovernmental transfers, and support local government capacity in budget planning and management. At the same time, it is clear that longer-term planning that links sector-based and cross-cutting opportunities and actions coupled with more robust budget monitoring and tracking can help to maximize the impact of PF4C efforts.Looking forward, more systematic management of good practices and knowledge around PF4C is a pre-requisite for taking results to scale. While many country offices have positioned their PF4C work well, the current lack of articulation of PF4C innovations and lessons learned limits their potential application in other contexts. To synergize and systemize the equity focus of engagement in PF4C, UNICEF Headquarters and regional offices are developing a Strategic Guidance on PF4C, complemented by ongoing capacity development activities, which include a Community of Practice, a webinar series, ‘how to’ manuals and a new global learning programme. These products will strengthen UNICEF’s ability to identify the most appropriate approaches for specific country contexts and further channel the existing momentum around PF4C into greater results for children.

IMF Policies and Practices on Capacity Development

This statement summarizes the IMF’s policies and practices with regard to the delivery of capacity development (CD) activities. It updates the 2001 Policy Statement on IMF Technical Assistance, incorporating the principles outlined in the 2013 CD strategy paper approved by the Executive Board as well as relevant principles described in earlier documents considered by the Executive Board.1 The purpose of the statement is to consolidate the guiding principles endorsed by the Board with policies and practices that are within the authority of IMF’s Management and are followed by staff in carrying out capacity development activities. The statement is expected to be of use to IMF staff, Executive Directors and their staff, country authorities, and donors. It also serves as a point of reference for future reviews of the IMF’s CD activities.

Evaluasi Tingkat Keberhasilan Program Nasional Pemberdayaan Masyarakat Mandiri Perdesaan Pertanian (PNPM MPd Pertanian) Terhadap Komoditi Kakao Rakyat Di Kampung Abreso Distrik Ransiki Kabupaten Manokwari Selatan

This study aimed to evaluate the success of development programs cocoa plantation crop people committed by the National Program for Community Empowerment in Kampung Abreso, by looking at the activities are divided into three (three) categories, namely (1) Community Capacity Development Activities; (2) The Agricultural Development; and (3) Activities Supporting Development of Agricultural Infrastructure. The method used is descriptive method with a case study. The selection of respondents census conducted by the researcher to farmer groups totaling 29 heads of families, so that the collected data is analyzedby tabulation. The research techniques used in the data collection is the primary data and secondary data. The results of this study showed that the activities undertaken by the PNPM MPd Agricultural considered not successful because not all farmers involved in community development activities, as well as procurement or distribution of agricultural implements such as fertilizers, medicines, seeds and agricultural tools small (APK ) and the provision of infrastructure and post-harvest crop is not appropriate and does not split evenly according to the needs of farmers to support agricultural development and agricultural infrastructure support activities.

Capacity development through the sharing of climate information with diverse user communities

Abstract The International Research Institute for Climate and Society (IRI) is a premier global research and capacity development institution focused on enhancing society’s capability to understand, use, manage and evaluate climate information. Its goal is to strengthen the technical capacity of individuals and organizations in order to increase the demand for climate information and its application. In the early years of IRI, staff trained local meteorologists and decision makers, often in developing countries, on using information products that IRI’s forecast group judged would be of value. However, in the last decade, IRI’s approach to training has evolved into one that is more user-driven. Today, users are brought on board during the development of training curricula to learn what information and methodologies would be most useful for their local needs. This establishes a sense of trust and ownership in the training process. Approaches are tailored to different contexts and communities, and focus is placed on cultivating long-lasting partnerships. The work presented in this article demonstrates the evolution of IRI’s capacity building and development processes. It highlights how the IRI implements capacity development activities, with a particular emphasis on the early engagement of practitioners and end users. Numerous examples are provided of the successes related to knowledge gains and to the concrete applications of climate information that can occur when the design and implementation of activities are preformed in an integrative manner. This approach builds channels for interaction among practitioners, policymakers, scientists and other societal decision making groups. Though it has seen numerous successes, the IRI is continually evaluating its capacity development methods and looking for ways to improve upon them.

Review of the Fund's Strategy on Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism

The Fund’s Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) program represents an important contribution to the international community’s response to money laundering and terrorist financing over the past decade. The program originally focused primarily on (a) AML/CFT assessments – as part of the Reports on the Observance of Standards and Codes (ROSC) program and of the Financial Sector Assessment Program (FSAP) – and (b) capacity development activities. Following guidance provided by the Board in 2011, money laundering, terrorist financing and related predicate crimes issues (hereinafter also referred to as financial integrity issues) are being raised in the context of surveillance when they are judged to affect domestic and balance of payments stability. Moreover, some recent Fund-supported programs have also incorporated financial integrity issues.

BALANCING RESEARCH AND ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY BUILDING IN FRONT‐END PROJECT DESIGN: EXPERIENCES FROM DANIDA'S ENRECA PROGRAMME

SUMMARYNorth–South research capacity building (RCB) partnerships have attracted considerable academic attention during the last two decades, especially with regard to issues related to partnership governance. Less attention has been given to the management aspects of partnership implementation, but in order for partnerships to comply with general governance‐level recommendations, a better understanding is needed of how specific context‐dependent factors influence the development and execution of projects. In this article, we aim to contribute to the understanding of factors influencing the design phase of RCB partnerships and examine how they influence the balance between performing collaborative research and developing general organizational capacity. Data collection was based on a survey (n = 25), and individual interviews and focus group discussions with 17 Danish project managers from the Danish Bilateral Programme for Enhancement of Research Capacity in Developing Countries. Our results lead to rejection of the proposition that RCB projects are either focused on building capacity for research or conducting merit‐based research. Because of the ‘politics’ of the front‐end process, reality is more complex. We identify 11 specific factors influencing front‐end project management related to structure, process and relationship, and we theorize about how these factors influence the choice between research and more general capacity development activities. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Renewable energy in the GCC: status and challenges

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the efforts undertaken by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in deploying renewable energy (RE), in terms of capacity assessments, research and development activities, and current and planned projects. The paper also aims to investigate the drivers and barriers for the diffusion of RE technologies in the GCC.