What is meant by 'capacity building' in the context of COPAR?

In the context of COPAR (Community-Oriented Participatory Action Research), 'capacity building' refers to the process of enhancing the skills, knowledge, and resources of community members so they can effectively participate in decision-making and actions that affect their lives. This approach empowers individuals within the community, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the research process and the implementation of interventions. By building capacity, communities are better equipped to tackle challenges, advocate for themselves, and sustain improvements over time.

This concept rejects any notion of creating barriers or reducing involvement; instead, it emphasizes the importance of inclusion and the development of local expertise. Additionally, capacity building is not limited to enhancing the skills of researchers, but rather focuses on equipping the community as a whole, fostering collaboration and shared ownership of the research process.