Capacity building for integrated water resources management : the importance of local ownership, partnerships and demand responsiveness

Strategy paper on the viewpoints and the role of Cap-Net in capacity building. Cap-Net is drawing on key lessons from international experience over the last two decades to emphasize the importance of capacity building as a continuous process reflecting society's need to respond to new ideas and technologies and changing social and political realities. Three major areas are identified where changes may make a significant improvement towards the successful development of capacity in the water sector. These areas are: Local ownership can be strengthened; Partnerships can overcome capacity constraints; and Motivation from demand. The principles of these three areas are seen as equally relevant to both country and international level decision making on capacity building.