"Reliable source of income is the challenge I am currently facing in life. I am just a house wife and my husband does casual jobs at the coastal towns earning approximately $100 per month. The money caters mainly for food making children lack school fees. This has caused my first daughter to miss classes for almost two weeks due to lack of school fees and as a result she has dropped in her performance."

"The organization's approach to providing unconditional cash has been a lifeline for me. The simplicity of just receiving cash without any strings attached is a game-changer. It's not just about the money; it's about the trust and respect embedded in the process. GiveDirectly recognizes that I, as an individual, understand my needs better than anyone else. This unconditional support has allowed me to address immediate concerns like housing, ensuring that my family has a secure and comfortable place to live. The freedom to decide how to use the money has empowered me, and I am grateful for GiveDirectly's innovative and impactful approach."

"Venturing into crop farming is my goal for the upcoming year. I aim to cultivate crops as a means to generate income and provide for my family of nine. To kickstart this endeavor, I have set a target capital of $450. My strategy involves attending casual jobs to raise the necessary capital for this farming venture. I recognize the importance of laying a strong financial foundation to start the agricultural endeavor successfully. Through hard work and dedication in various casual jobs, I aim to accumulate the needed funds to invest in the crop farming business. By dedicating myself to this goal, I hope to create a sustainable source of income through crop cultivation. It is an opportunity not just to provide for my family's immediate needs but also to secure a more stable and prosperous future for all of us. With determination and perseverance, I believe this farming venture will be a significant step towards achieving that goal."

"GiveDirectly's impact on my community has been nothing short of life-changing. Personally, I have witnessed a significant transformation in my family's well-being. The transfers ensured that there was food security for my family of five, easing the worry when I had to leave them behind to attend school. It is a relief knowing that their needs are met even in my absence. Moreover, the support I received enabled me to clear my school fees, a crucial step in continuing my education. While I am yet to complete my studies, I am now in a much better position to focus on achieving that goal without the burden of looming fees. GiveDirectly's assistance has not only impacted my life but has also rippled through the entire community, bringing tangible and positive changes to many households. Relief from basic needs and educational support have brought hope and stability, creating opportunities for a brighter future for all of us."

"It was a moment of profound relief when the unconditional cash transfer came through, a much-needed lifeline for my family of seven. With the $200 I received, I directed a substantial part towards paying the school fees for my six children, two in secondary school and four in primary education. The struggle to meet these fees has been constant; my spouse and I work as farmers, earning a mere $5, which isn't consistent or sufficient. Oftentimes, our children would stay at home due to the backlog of unpaid fees, affecting their education and morale. But with this support, they were finally able to return to school, and I could see hope returning to their eyes. Another part of the funds, about $150, went towards purchasing essential food items like maize and beans. The agonizing days of watching my family struggle with hunger are now behind us. Meals were not guaranteed, and it weighed heavily on all of us. Now, at least, the worry of an empty stomach has been alleviated. Moreover, I set aside $100 to buy new clothes for everyone in the family. The previous ones were worn out, and I could sense how it affected their confidence and self-esteem. Now, seeing them adorned in fresh clothes, their spirits lifted, and their smiles were a testament to their newfound confidence. It's a small thing for some, but for us, it meant restoring dignity and a sense of self-worth."

"Due to our high dependence in agriculture, we face a lot of challenges. The main one is the inadequate water supply due to the elongated drought period. It's better now, but with time the water becomes inadequate due to many farmers with large farms. It's also hard getting enough farm materials such as fertilizer, chemicals to spray our farms or money to support labour needs. These challenges has led to low family income, making our lives difficult. It's hard raising school fees for our children."

"Since we have been farmers for a long time. The drought has led to limited water supply to our farms. This led to low productivity to zero over the last decade. When there's enough water, life generally becomes easier because our farm produce gets high. It has affected our life's since low productivity leads to hard life. We're not able to support ourselves. Irregular water supply has made our life's difficult since we cannot plan well and also due to losses."

"My worst worry has been income generation. I depend on irrigation farming, which is labour intensive. It means I take loans from lending institutions to farm, then repay. The interest is high, and sometimes the crop production may not even cover the principal taken. This means one may end up accumulating loans. It has affected my ability to develop myself due to pressure to pay back loans."

"I utilized a portion of my recent unconditional cash transfer to completely revamp my living situation. With $300, I purchased essentials like iron sheets, poles, and timber to construct a new house. The previous one was on the verge of collapsing, and it pained me to see my family of four living in such precarious conditions. The stress and frustration were overwhelming at times, as I grappled with the feeling of failing my children by not providing them with a safe and decent home. Privacy was a luxury we couldn't afford, and it weighed heavily on my heart. Finally, I can offer my family the security and comfort they deserve. This transformation has not only upgraded our living conditions but has also revived my self-esteem. Moreover, I invested around $150 in bolstering my business selling vegetables, honey, and household items. This infusion of capital has brought about a significant change. Initially, I was making a meager profit of $2, but now, with the improvements I've made to the business, the profit has increased to $10. It's been a tremendous relief and boost for our household income. My spouse, who doesn't have a stable job, has been immensely supportive, contributing time and effort to help manage and operate the business. This collaboration not only strengthens our financial stability but also brings us closer as partners, working together towards a more secure future for our family."

"My primary focus is on fortifying my livelihood through two key aspirations. Firstly, I am determined to fence my farm comprehensively, implementing a protective barrier that will shield my crops and land from the intrusion of wild animals. The persistent threat of these creatures has taken a toll on my efforts, and securing my farm would not only safeguard my hard work but also ensure a more sustainable and reliable source of income. Additionally, I aspire to expand my livestock by investing in more goats. These animals not only contribute to the economic viability of my farm but also serve as a valuable asset for the future."