Capacity development (CapDev) has been an integral part of World Agroforestry’s overall programme aimed at both facilitating the use and impact, of its research as well as enhancing the relevance of its research and development for partners’ needs. Capacity building is one of four value propositions that the organization offers to its clients in its strategy to achieve the System Level Outcomes (SLOs) of the CGIAR.

World Agroforestry aims to mobilize and strengthen the institutional and individual capacities of its own staff, partners and their networks through a number of ways.These include by:

• Mentoring young scientists
• Seconding staff to partners and placing partner staff at ICRAF
• Developing instructional materials and guides
• Equipping National Agricultural Research and Extension Systems (NARES)
• Up-scaling tree nurseries
• Establishing Rural Resource Centres as hubs of knowledge and agroforestry technologies
• Providing training opportunities to individuals and organizations
• Strengthening Rural Advisory Services
• Establishing professional networks at various levels
• Supporting agroforestry actors with knowledge and tools for advocacy.

ICRAF’s global Capacity Development Unit (CDU), based at the headquarters in Nairobi, supports staff to develop their capacities within its four Priority Themes in each of its six Regional Offices through Capacity Development Focal Persons.

Aims and objectives

• To facilitate individual research and practice opportunities through fellowships, internships and volunteerism. ICRAF’s Student Management Information System registers interests from individuals seeking such opportunities.
• To provide assistance to group learning opportunities and short-term professional courses, focused on resolving specific capacity problems at different levels and enhance particular practical skills of scientists, partners, policy makers, and farmers.
• To facilitate periodic courses, e.g., AFPBA,Landscape Governance
• To ensure access to eLearning resources, e.g. training videos, lectures and resources, practitioners’ manuals and guides and publications for self-learning.
• To provide advice on and assist in conducting capacity needs assessments for various partners.
• To provide assistance in applying appropriate training methodologies and tools to enhance effectiveness.
• To facilitate and document training events across various research grants.
• To effectively contribute to CGIAR’s Capacity Strengthening Efforts aimed at achieving greater harmonization and effectiveness across various CRPs.
• To conduct research on effectiveness of capacity-related issues.
• To support monitoring of capacity-related interventions at ICRAF.