"Partners in Planning" is about how professionals can work with local lay people in an equal partnership to support development programmes, particularly in the areas of health and education. It discusses the importance of generating information, encouraging active participation by those benefiting from the development programmes, and the subsequent empowerment of these people to give them the experience and confidence needed to influence the decisions that affect their daily lives. In particular, this book explores the idea and practice of empowerment through the way information is obtained and used. Topics covered include why information is important for planning and empowerment, choosing appropriate methods and techniques, doing a participatory needs assessment, and investigating particular examples of participatory planning.