"I must say they have done remarkably well with their approach. The process of enrollment was fair and devoid of discrimination, which I deeply appreciate. The direct cash transfers have been a lifeline for me and my community, allowing us to address our immediate needs and make decisions based on our unique circumstances. I remain thankful for their efforts and the positive changes they have brought to our lives."

"Receiving the first transfer from GiveDirectly brought a lot of happiness, as I received a message from the service provider confirming the arrival of the money around 3:00 p.m. The clear information provided during the early meetings by the staff made it easy to recognize the source of the transfer. At the time, I was alone on a farm within the village, unable to share the news with anyone. Later that evening, upon returning home, I shared the exciting news with my son. Since I had already planned and set specific goals for the money, there was no need for further discussion or changes. Given that my only daughter, who is 10 years old, would not fully comprehend the significance, I proceeded with my plans without further deliberation after collecting the money on the following day."

"After receiving the cash transfer, I decided to invest in a more sustainable future for my family. With the first portion of the money, I purchased four goats for $160. My plan was to exchange them for a dairy cow later, as I knew the cow's milk could provide a steady source of income for our family. Additionally, I used part of the funds to buy cement and a wooden door, improving the living conditions of my humble home. These renovations brought me a sense of comfort and security I hadn't felt in years. With the remaining money, I ensured my family's immediate needs were met by purchasing enough food for my four family members. As an elderly and sick couple, my husband and I had relied heavily on our children for daily upkeep, but now, with this generous support, I felt a newfound sense of independence and hope. The goats proved to be a wise investment as they multiplied over time, providing us with more resources to enhance our livelihood. The milk from the dairy cow not only fulfilled our daily dietary requirements but also generated extra income from selling the surplus. With a renovated house and improved financial stability, I was able to ease the burden on our children, allowing"

"Looking ahead to the coming year and beyond, my goal is to establish a retail business right here in our village. The lack of nearby shops has led community members to travel more than 5km to purchase essential household goods. Inspired by this need, I am determined to open a small shop that will cater to their requirements within a walking distance, providing convenience and accessibility. Simultaneously, this endeavor will serve as a source of income for my family of five, ensuring our financial stability and well-being."

"In the coming year and beyond, my primary objective is to further expand and intensify my venture into goat farming. Given the adverse effects of the ongoing drought, I recognize the resilience of goats in such conditions compared to cows. As a result, I am gradually transitioning away from cow farming and placing a stronger emphasis on goat rearing. While I currently have five cows, my focus is not on increasing their number. However, any additional income generated from my other farming activities or my wife's salary would be gladly invested in acquiring more goats, ensuring the continued growth and success of my goat farming enterprise."

"Having faced financial constraints, I used to buy food in small quantities, resulting in high costs. However, upon receiving the recent transfer from GiveDirectly, ensuring an adequate food supply for my family of five became my top priority. I allocated $105 to essential food items, such as a 90-kg bag of dry maize grains, 10 kg of beans, cooking oil, tea leaves, wheat flour, and 5kg of sugar. Transporting these provisions home cost me $1 for a motorcycle service. Additionally, I spent $5 on toiletries and $29 on school uniforms for my son. Moreover, I took him to the hospital for a check-up, using $15 to cover the examination fees and medication. To secure additional income and ensure a sustainable future, I invested $9 in acquiring three chickens, which I am currently raising and plan to expand. Furthermore, I settled a $20 debt with a nearby shop, where I had obtained food on credit, expressing my gratitude for their patience. To weed my millet farm, I hired five workers, paying them a total of $15 for their diligent efforts. The generous support from GiveDirectly has significantly relieved my daily struggles and improved access to essential resources."

"With the second transfer, I allocated the funds strategically to further develop my new piece of land, which I intended to cultivate for vegetable farming. The fencing around the land required significant resources, and I was grateful that the transfer proved invaluable in this regard. To complete the fencing project, I invested $290 in purchasing barbed wire and six chainlinks, successfully enclosing the area. Additionally, I hired a labor force to clear the wooden remnants from the ground, spending $80 to complete this task. I am delighted to see that the land is now almost ready for planting, although I have yet to install irrigation equipment due to unfavorable weather conditions. In terms of my family's well-being, I allocated $35 to purchase food for our household of nine individuals. Moreover, I ensured that my second-grade daughter's educational needs were met by paying her $25 school fees, enabling her to focus on her studies. Previously, our livelihood relied on subsistence farming, supported by my husband, who is both a teacher and a farmer. From his salary, we managed to cover the school fees for our five children while attending to other household responsibilities. Additionally, I used a portion of the funds to purchase necessary household goods, ensuring the needs of our family were adequately met."

"We bought materials to build our house and we are builiding it because we used to rent but now we have our own house. Materials and building costs us $470"

"In the upcoming year, my primary objective is to fully repay the loan for the motorcycle, enabling me to operate without financial constraints and increase my savings. This financial stability will provide an opportunity to accumulate sufficient funds for my son's school fees, ensuring his education continues uninterrupted. Additionally, I aim to leverage the daily transportation service to generate extra income, further bolstering my savings. Looking beyond the immediate future, my long-term aspiration is to acquire an additional motorcycle and hire someone to ride alongside me, thereby expanding my business and creating an additional stream of income."

"I felt immense joy when I received the initial notification confirming the arrival of the first transfer. It happened when I was alone at my shop in the shopping center, prompting me to immediately call my husband, who was at home at the time. Knowing that I would return to town the next day, I couldn't collect the money on that same day. I went home later to discuss the details with my husband and withdrew the funds the following day when we were ready to utilize them."