Impact of Official Development Assistance on Capacity Development: A Case Study for Nepal

Abstract

Nepal is a landlocked

one of the least developed countries in the region. Nepal has long history of receiving Foreign Aid. The trend shows that the volume has been increasing steadily. ODA flows to some areas of National Priority are streamlined. Almost all ODA consist of capacity development components. Technical assistance , capacity building, capacity strengthening by whatever name given to the program there is always focus to generate internal strength of the recipient countries. Donors usually adopt the same patterns and methods in capacity development. Long and short term trainings, academic scholarships, workshop, seminars, volunteers deployment, observation tours and technical support are some examples of the interventions used as the tools for capacity development.

KOICA is one of the important development partners for Nepal. As a priority partner KOICA has several programs in Nepal. Health, education, ICT, Governance and rural development are the major sectors that KOICA has programs. In these sectors and other sectors KOICA also tried to emphasize the capacity development of the recipients. Although there are some variations among gender, positions KOICA capacity development activities have good impact on the participants individual as well as organizational level capacity development. The satisfaction level of learning transfer is higher than individual capacity achievement such as promotion, degree, reward. These programs not only contribute to support partner countries but also helped to build positive image of Korea as a donor. For effectiveness of capacity development there is always room for improvement. Normally recipient countries having weak institutions, unclear priorities have to improve their way of setting priority, selecting appropriate institution or individuals, timely and proper communication, coordination with donors and removing the internal hurdles. Similarly donors can help the recipients to indentify the actual need, providing appropriate learning tools, harmonizing with local conditions.