What is capacity building in development cooperation?

• A. Efforts to strengthen institutions, skills, and systems to enable sustainable development and self-reliance.
• B. Financial aid to address short-term shortages.
• C. Building roads to nowhere.
• D. Policies to restrict trade.

Answer: (A)

Capacity building in development cooperation is about developing the ability of people, organizations, and institutions to plan, implement, and sustain development over time. It focuses on strengthening governance, skills, and systems so communities can manage their own growth and become self-reliant. This goes beyond giving money; it includes training, organizational development, improving policies and regulatory frameworks, financial management, service delivery, and data use. The goal is to create durable capacity that lets a country or community continue progress without ongoing external support. That’s why the best choice describes strengthening institutions, skills, and systems to enable sustainable development and self-reliance. Short-term financial aid addresses immediate needs but doesn’t build lasting capacity; the other options don’t align with the idea of developing the ability to govern and sustain development.