"Farming has been my source of income for the past 10 years, and I am now focused on expanding my farming activities. My plan is to increase the area under cultivation from two acres to three acres in order to diversify my crops and better manage risks. The challenges I have faced, particularly floods and droughts, have taught me the importance of planning ahead. Therefore, I intend to focus on short-season crops such as butternuts, beans, and vegetables, as they are more resilient and require less time to harvest. By planting these crops on time, I can reduce the risks associated with unpredictable weather patterns. I plan to use part of the proceeds from my current maize harvest to fund this expansion, which will ultimately help me achieve financial stability and ensure a more reliable source of income for my family."

"After the floods destroyed my house, I was left with nothing. My previous home was a grass-thatched hut with muddy walls, and losing it meant my family had nowhere to stay. We had to live in a temporary structure made of tents while we figured out how to rebuild. I used $300 from my second transfer to purchase materials to start constructing a new house. Although it is not yet complete due to a shortage of materials, we have already moved in and plan to finish the construction when we have the necessary resources. Additionally, my wife has a reproductive condition that requires medication whenever she is pregnant. Understanding the importance of her health, I spent $50 on her medication to ensure she could manage her condition properly. At the same time, we did not have a proper bed, so I spent $40 on one, replacing the unstable and uncomfortable temporary bed we had been using. The situation was difficult, especially after losing one acre of maize, which had been a vital part of our food supply. To help us get back on our feet, I rented half an acre of land for $50, where I plan to plant beans. This will help us regain some food security and meet other needs. The remaining $10 went toward buying essential food items, like sugar, which helped us for a short time, but the struggle continues as we work to fully recover from the loss."

"I am a farmer, and although we own an acre of land, it is currently still covered by water due to the recent floods. To keep things moving, I have rented half an acre of land where I plan to start planting maize. My goal is to save money from charcoal production to prepare the land, buy seeds, and get everything ready for planting. By growing maize, I hope to not only provide food for my family but also generate some income to help with school fees. I also plan to continue expanding my farming activities, ensuring a steady source of food and income for the future."

"At the time I received my second transfer, my daughter was seriously unwell, having been diagnosed with both heart and kidney problems. We were in a tough situation as I had borrowed $170 to cover her initial treatment, which I managed to repay using the transfer. I also spent an additional $100 on her follow-up checkups, knowing it was crucial to stay on top of her medical care. I saved $50 from the transfer to cover future clinic visits, as I expected more ahead. Additionally, my son, who is in secondary school, had outstanding fees of $90, so I used $50 to reduce the balance, leaving $40 to pay later. Food had also been a challenge, especially with my daughter's health issues, as we relied solely on casual jobs. We had taken $40 worth of food on credit from a local kiosk, which I cleared with part of the transfer. I then spent $20 on more food for the family, which sustained us for a while. With the remaining $20, I gave it to my wife to buy clothes for herself and our two daughters, as their old ones were worn out. Thank you, GiveDirectly, for the support."

"Our house was swept away by floods, and we lost household items like our bed. As a result, my children and I had to move into my co-wife's house. While we stayed with her family, living under one roof with her three children, my two children, and our husband made the situation uncomfortable due to the limited space. After receiving my second transfer from GiveDirectly, I bought iron sheets and timber. I now plan to use my final transfer to purchase the remaining materials and begin construction so we can have our own space again. Additionally, I intend to buy essential items we lost to restore comfort and stability for my family."

"What I like most about GiveDirectly is the clarity and transparency they provide during enrollment. We were thoroughly informed about the organization, the source of the cash, and its ultimate goal, making it easy for us to understand the process. Enrollment was also optional, which gave people the freedom to choose whether they wanted to participate or not. The follow-up after the transfers was instrumental in ensuring that people planned wisely and used the money effectively, which equipped us with valuable planning skills. I believe GiveDirectly’s approach is highly effective, and I see no areas for improvement; my hope is that they continue supporting more people in the same way."

"My plan is to continue with my crop farming because it has proven to be a reliable source of income for me. I aim to use the proceeds from my maize, which I have currently planted, to complete paying off the balance on a plot I secured, which I am currently paying for in installments. Once I fully own the land, I will build on it to create a stable home for my family, away from future floods. Additionally, after securing my family’s future and continuing with crop farming, I will use the proceeds to officiate my marriage by having a wedding and paying the dowry for my wife. This will allow me to formalize our union and focus on growing and supporting my family further."

"What I like most about GiveDirectly is the education on wise spending provided before the transfers. This was particularly important because receiving a large sum of money, especially for those of us who have never handled such amounts, could easily lead to misuse. The financial guidance helped us make thoughtful decisions about how to use the money, ensuring it went toward the most pressing needs. Additionally, the follow-up on how we spent the transfers encouraged us to be accountable and use the funds wisely, especially since we knew that more transfers were coming, and any misuse could put those at risk. Moreover, the transfers have fostered love and stronger connections within our families. As for areas of improvement, I honestly don’t see any; I believe GiveDirectly should continue with its current approach, as it has had a significant positive impact on our lives."

"The deteriorating health of my last born daughter has given me sleepless nights since the month of August 2024.My daughter a mother of three who separated with her husband 5 years ago was diagnosed with kidney failure early this year.Currently she is hospitalized at Marigat District Hospital. Eliza has been sole provider to me for the past 9 years,since I broke my pelvic bone.Its currently difficult for me to take care of myself as well as her 3 children because I do not have any source of income.My only hope lies on the support from my relatives and the community who also have their own struggles.I am currently living in fear and dispair of what will become of my three grandchildren , I have no strength to work so as to earn money to provide for them or to pay their mother's outstanding bill of KES 25000."

"Inadequate cash to raise a family of 3 is the biggest challenge I am currently facing. I am a single mother vending food in the village earning approximately KES 150 a day as profit. I have three school-going children who are in primary and at different levels of their studies. Raising them single-handedly with the cash I earn from vending food is extremely tough keeping in mind the overwhelming economic time. I am now optimistic knowing that I will soon benefit from GiveDirectly's transfer and our lives will change. I cannot thank God enough for His mercies."