What can the World Bank Country Assistance Evaluations tell us about capacity development?

A recent review captures learning related to capacity development from Country Assistance Evaluations(CAEs) issued by the World Bank’s Independent Evaluation Group. CAEs assess the outcomes of a World Bank country program relative to its stated program objectives. They are important sources of what has been learnt from Bank experience.

The review examines seven CAEs issued during the fiscal years of 2010 and 2011. It synthesizes key findings and recommendations from each with respect to capacity development and the related topics of institutional and governance reform. The findings and recommendations fall into the following categories:

Improving the focus of the Bank's support and filling gaps to address institutional and capacity constraints
Strengthening clients’ monitoring capacity
Enhancing knowledge and learning dimensions of the programs
Improving management of the change process, including greater flexibility and realism and continued engagement
Enhancing the engagement and participation of civil society
Deepening coordination and collaboration with development partners

Download the CAE report