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[ community participation ]

• Wates, Nick (2000) - The Community Planning Handbook, Earthscan Publications Ltd, London

Community planning is a rapidly developing, increasingly important field. Growing numbers of professionals and local residents are getting involved and there is a powerful menu of tools available, from design workshops to electronic maps. This handbook provides a practical guide to community planning.

• Hamdi, N. (2004) - Small Change: The Art of Practice and the Limits of Planning in Cities, Earthscan Publications Ltd, London 

Written by the guru of urban participatory development, this book asks the question 'what is practice'? The author answers this question and others, looking at what knowledge, competencies and ways of thinking are fundamental to skilful practice in urban development. This is powerful, informed, critical and inspiring reading.

• Slocum et al (1995) - Power, Process and Participation, IT Publications, Rugby

Powerlessness, marginality, and dispossession are found in all corners of the world. The aim of this book is to enable facilitators from inside, as well as outside, communities to empower those people who are frequently omitted from the decision-making process; exploring participatory approach to development .

• Chambers, R (1997) - Whose Reality Counts? Putting the First Last - IT Publications

This volume explores the boundaries of participatory rural appraisal (PRA). With PRA now widely adopted, with varying degress of success, the author examines the next steps as "the methodological revolution continues". The work presents an analysis of the relationship between professionals and the poor, the realities of development professionals, embracing such values as measurement and control, are at odds with those of the poor they seek to assist.

• Hamdi, N and Majale, M (2005) - Partnerships in Urban Development

On how participatory urban planning strategies can help local government organisations safeguard vulnerable people. Based on a 3-year project in Kenya, and aimed at people working in local authorities, it offers guidance on understanding power relations and a basis for choosing partners and assessing risks associated in participation and partnership.