The following are some of the definitions that that help understand capacity building. The United Nations Development Programmes lists out three key definitions that need to be considered while developing capacity building strategies.
Capacity is the ability of individuals, institutions, and societies to perform functions, solve problems, and set and achieve objectives in a sustainable manner.
Capacity Development is the process through which the abilities to do so are obtained, strengthened, adapted and maintained over time.
Capacity Assessment is an analysis of current capacities against desired future capacities. This assessment generates an understanding of capacity assessment and needs which in turn leads to the formulation of capacity building strategies.
