"There has been little or no rain this year. This has affected us a lot. We had planted 2 acres of land. On a good season we could harvest 8 bags of maize and 50 kilos of beans. This year we lost everything. It has made our life's really difficult. To survive during this dry season, we've sold 6 goats. When we sell the goats we're able to buy bags of maize. It's sad seeing our stock reduce."

"My name is Alex, 21, I completed my secondary education in 2020. In 2002, my father passed on, I was very young. When our father died, my mother left us with my younger brother who now stays with my aunt. To get education, food and shelter, we've always depended on well-wishers and relatives. Since I completed my secondary education, I've always wanted to do a course in Supply Chains Management. This has not been possible because I lack school fees. To complete the course, I will need about $2000. It's really stressful that I cannot do the course. This is because I believe when I have the certificate it will help boost my livelihood."

"The biggest difference that is a result of the GiveDirectly transfer is like a miracle to me. Initially, we used to sleep in the same house. Some slept in the corridor. This was not hygienic and also there was no privacy but due to poverty, I had no alternative. As of now, I am happy that my boys have their house though it is not enough compared to where we were this is like heaven for them. This miracle came as a result of GiveDirectly and I can sincerely say that, if it were not for this organization we would be still squeezing into the same house with my children."

"It was two days passed the date I was assured of receiving the money by one of the GiveDirectly officials who called me. I started to become curious since some people had received their transfers. I told my helper to check my account balance if I had also received the money or not. The aim was to call the GiveDirectly hotline number for clarification if the money could not be seen in my account. When the helper confirmed, he informed me that the money had been in my account for the past two days. I jumped up and down in happiness for receiving the promised transfer knowing that I would handle several areas that have been challenging me."

"My house was swept off by flood.I am now staying at my inlaw's house.I am uncomfortable staying in the house because its a small room.Sometimes i get something to eat and other days o have to depend on my inlaws for meals.I feel so bad that my house was taken. Poverty is also a challenge,I and my husband have managed to only buy some iron sheets so as to construct another house."

"Food insecurity is the greatest challenge because I live in a semi-arid area. It has been two years since I last had a good harvest from our farms. I must work to get money to purchase equally expensive food. I take two meals a day when I have money otherwise it is most once. This becomes a problem and it deteriorates my health as I lack enough nutritional food."

"The cost of living has increased to the extent that I cannot meet all the basic needs of my eight school-going children. I rely on business profits to make ends meet, but this year it has been tough and I have $500 in school fees arrears. Come January, I will need $1000 to send them to school but with the little income, I get stressed up knowing they may fail to go on time for their studies."

"Making sure that I use the money I get to keep my kids in school is my top priority. My three children, who are still in school, frequently experience being sent home and must spend extended periods of time at home. Since I've been sleeping on a traditional bed made of sisal for years at this point, I was also expecting to utilize the money to buy myself a bed and a mattress. The traditional bed prevents me from sleeping on the ground, but it is not as comfy as one might hope. Additionally, I wanted to purchase some farm animals, especially some goats and fowl, since they come in handy when I am in need of financial aid in the future."

"My main objective for this year is to increase our family's income. I currently support my family by farming for subsistence, but due to the severe drought, we hardly ever have enough farm output to last the entire year. In addition, I periodically burn charcoal for sale to enhance agricultural output, but there is little market for it because practically everyone in the village operates in the same way. My objective is to open a modest kiosk where I'll sell groceries. Due to its often great demand, it is more profitable."

"The year before last year, I managed to acquire a motorcycle on loan. The owner of the bike and I agree that I will pay him in installments over the years until I finally settle the debt. I have so far managed to pay more than half of what I owe, and I want to ensure that by the end of the year I am finally done with the payment. I also want to save up my money so that I can finally buy livestock. My intention is to take care of the livestock and breed them, and then finally I can sell them and build a better house for me and my family."