The concept of capacity development, which emerged during the 1980s,
gained prominence in the 1990s and currently has wide usage in community
development (Eade, 1997; UNDP, 1998; Bolger, 2000). The term
capacity development is usually discussed as an approach to development
and cooperation. Capacity development encompasses human
resource development as an essential part of development (FAO, 1998).
It is a process by which individuals, groups, organizations and societies
enhance their abilities to identify and meet development challenges in
a sustainable manner (UNDP, 1998). It is human resource development,
which is a process of equipping individuals with the understanding of
access to information, knowledge, training and skills that enables them
to perform effectively. There is a direct relationship between capacity
building and agricultural education..
