Capacity development: Taking a targeted approach

The document argues that closing the gap between climate ambitions and implementation requires a shift from general capacity building to targeted 'capability development'. CDKN defines capability as the ability to apply tools, skills, and knowledge effectively combined with the willingness to act. The paper identifies four essential types of capability: technical, relational, strategic, and institutional. It proposes a seven-step iterative process for development, emphasizing context analysis, co-owned agendas, and adaptive programming. Case studies from Rwanda and India are used to illustrate how these capabilities enable governments to secure climate funding and implement action plans.

• CDKN distinguishes between 'capacity' and 'capability', viewing capacity as the volume and scale of resources (how much can be done) and capability as the effectiveness of action (how well it can be done).
• CDKN identifies four critical types of capability required for effective climate integration: technical capability (the ability to use evidence and tools), relational capability (the ability to forge partnerships), strategic capability (the ability to influence direction and see system patterns), and institutional capability (the ability to embed skills into organisational structures).
• In Rwanda, a demand-led approach focusing on strategic, institutional, and technical capabilities enabled the Ministry of Natural Resources (MINIRENA) to achieve accreditation for the Green Climate Fund and Adaptation Fund in 2015.
• In Madhya Pradesh, India, CDKN addressed low civil servant commitment to the State Climate Change Action Plan by developing sector-specific policy briefs and a knowledge portal, utilizing technical, relational, and strategic capabilities.
• CDKN proposes a seven-step framework for capability development: 1) understanding the wider country system, 2) co-creating a change agenda, 3) self-assessing priorities, 4) engaging stakeholders in dialogue, 5) taking early action to learn, 6) using flexible and adaptive programming, and 7) recognizing that capability development is a long-term process.
• The document asserts that implementing the Paris Agreement requires a 'transformative change' in international capacity building, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where resources are more constrained.

APA

Nier, J., Phillips, R., & Cook, R. (2017). Capacity development: Taking a targeted approach. Climate and Development Knowledge Network. https://cdkn.org/sites/default/files/files/Capacity-development-Working-Paper-WEB.pdf

Chicago

Nier, Juliane, Rachel Phillips, and Russell Cook. Capacity development: Taking a targeted approach. Climate and Development Knowledge Network, 2017. https://cdkn.org/sites/default/files/files/Capacity-development-Working-Paper-WEB.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Nier |first1=Juliane |last2=Phillips |first2=Rachel |last3=Cook |first3=Russell |title=Capacity development: Taking a targeted approach |publisher=Climate and Development Knowledge Network |date=July 2017 |url=https://cdkn.org/sites/default/files/files/Capacity-development-Working-Paper-WEB.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{nier2017capacity, author = {Nier, Juliane and Phillips, Rachel and Cook, Russell}, title = {{Capacity development: Taking a targeted approach}}, institution = {Climate and Development Knowledge Network}, year = {2017}, month = jul, url = {https://cdkn.org/sites/default/files/files/Capacity-development-Working-Paper-WEB.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }