In HART, what is meant by "capacity building"?

The concept of "capacity building" in humanitarian assistance refers to the process of enhancing the skills, knowledge, and resources of local communities to empower them and ensure that they can effectively respond to their own needs and challenges. This approach emphasizes sustainability, enabling communities to develop their own solutions to issues they face, rather than relying solely on external assistance. By focusing on strengthening local capacities, humanitarian organizations can encourage greater resilience and self-sufficiency, which are crucial for the long-term success of aid interventions.

While training staff from international agencies on local customs and creating partnerships between NGOs and government bodies are important elements of humanitarian work, they do not encapsulate the primary goal of capacity building, which is aimed specifically at empowering local communities. Increasing funding for international projects, while often necessary, does not directly contribute to building local capacities; rather, it addresses the immediate financial aspects of aid. Therefore, the emphasis on enhancing skills and resources of local communities aligns closely with the true essence of capacity building in the humanitarian context.