How to Leverage Action Research to Develop Context-specific Capacity Building for Civil Society Organizations

In recent decades, increased attention has been given to the hierarchical nature and intrinsic power dynamics of CSO capacity building programs. In a global context, international donors tend to design and implement capacity building programs, which then prioritize donors' objectives and employ Western concepts in the Global South. This research note aims to reframe capacity building around inclusive and equal partnerships centered on civil society leaders who participate in designing and delivering capacity building programs. We propose action research as a process for co-creating contextually appropriate models that enable local ownership for capacity building and thus equip civil society to improve the lives of people in communities. We apply this approach to the Liberian case to develop a process to engage local civil society organizations in developing participatory capacity building programs that address place-based needs in non-Western contexts.

Automated summary

In recent decades, there has been increased awareness of the hierarchical and power dynamics in CSO capacity building programs. International donors often prioritize their own objectives and use Western concepts in the Global South. This research aims to shift the focus towards inclusive partnerships and local ownership, proposing action research as a way to co-create contextually appropriate models for capacity building.