Research collects data on environment, history, land use patterns and government policy. This makes it possible to have a basis for making decisions and for engaging the communities, the private sector and the government. The researchers in our case were able to map out movement corridors for animals like elephants and migration routes and seasons of other animals like the wildebeest. This is a useful guideline in establishment of conservancy boundaries and for engaging the policy makes and communities. Research provides useful information for publicity campaign locally and internationally making it easy to win support from stakeholders.
Research is also useful in laying projections and carrying out monitoring to show the trends of positive and negative change. We have had very useful research data showing dramatic recovery of hitherto declining populations of some endangered animal species like the large cats. There is also socio-economic data that shows the growing income trends and better livelihood outcomes in the communities that surround the conservancy as a result of positive impacts of the conservancy
There has to be national concern that attracts research interest from reputable firms, institutions and individuals. The researchers need support and facilitation to carry out research work among the people and also in the environment. The stakeholders involved must be receptive to scientific information and must demonstrate interest in utilizing the findings to make better decisions for the people and the country
Research issues must have genuine theoretical questions to answer in order for them to be of interest to science. Its only then they can attract he necessary support and accreditation to learning institutions that makes their methodology academically acceptable and their results credible enough to be used as a basis for decision making and planning. For instance, it was important in Maasai Mara to show evidence of wildlife decline in as much as it was to answer the question as to why it was happening. It was also important to understand trends in land use in the greater region and to link it to decreasing wildlife habitats due to land subdivision and upsurge of other land use activities like agriculture and real estate development.
Its also very important to involve indigenous communities in design of research programs and objectives and to make use of their historical, cultural and anecdotal knowledge.