Drivers for Sustainable Community Capacity Building: A Case Study of ECO-LIFE Initiatives in Malaysia and Thailand

Abstract

The importance of community capacity building (CCB) has long been known but it has specific relevance to the developing world.  CCB focuses on enabling all members of the community, including the poorest and the most disadvantaged, to develop skills and competencies so as to take greater control of their own lives. CCB contributes to local development and involves local leadership. Not only can communities be more cohesive but they can also be more resilient and better placed to confront economic and social challenges. Although many community-building projects are generally modest local activities that people pursue with no government support, meaningful and effective CCB can be stimulated and fostered by government agencies and the capacity which communities have already developed. The result is that power becomes increasingly embedded within them. This empirical study discusses two cross-national CCB showcases of good practice where shared value community-development projects were supported by government agencies. More specifically, in light of insightful interviews with community members, it investigates CCB activities, outcomes, and enablers in these two scenarios and explores drivers for sustainable CCB involvement in a community. The research output is resources for the relevant authorities to design and implement strategies to build, rebuild and sustain community capacity.  The findings also contribute to the knowledge base about creating shared value with community projects.