"The biggest challenge here is food insecurity. The drought made it hard to grow my small farm. Getting food is hard because of the high cost of living. I depend on casual jobs which pay $2.50. It's very little, sugar costs $2.50 a kilogram, and maize flour $0.90. This is very high compared to the previous years. It was half that. This means I must budget well from the few casual jobs I get lest we go hungry with my grandchild."

"Ndifuza ko ejo hanjye hazaba ari heza kurusha, nkaba naba naraguze inka, yewe narongeye kugura indi sambu, ubuzima butamvuna mbona icyo kurya bitangoye kandi mbasha no kwizigamira."

"Iyo ndebye ibikorwa bya GiveDirectly byose mbona ari byiza birasobanutse, rwose byadukuye mu bukene, twari dushonje, turyama habi ariko ubu impinduka ni zose."

"The organization demonstrated impeccable performance in delivering its messages and providing financial advice. From the initial enrollment stages to the final stages, their execution was flawless. We were consistently treated with dignity and respect throughout the entire process. The organization consistently delivered high-quality services and ensured that we received the utmost care. Thus far, there have been no areas that require improvement on their part."

"My aim for the next few years is to purchase at least four cows. These cows will serve multiple purposes, such as assisting with plowing exercises on our farm and potentially being hired out to others for additional income. I also aim to expand my business further, focusing on buying and selling chickens. I have six children, five of whom are currently attending school. Unfortunately, one of my children has been unable to join secondary school for the past two years due to financial constraints. By growing the business, I hope to earn more and be able to enroll my son in high school, as I support his siblings. "

"I have a desire to construct a new house, as my current one is in poor condition. The tin roof has corroded over time, resulting in water leakage during rainy days. Additionally, the house is made of mud, making it less stable and more prone to damage. I aim to build a new two-room house with a more durable structure, that is made of bricks instead of mud. However, financial constraints have made it difficult to pursue this goal, but if I can find a breakthrough or opportunity, I will build the house. I am determined to invest the cash transfers I receive into building the house. Besides, having a tangible outcome like a new house would provide a clear and meaningful purpose for the funds I receive."

"I plan to construct a separate house for my goats, as I currently have four of them. They currently sleep in one of the rooms in my two-room house, which is quite inconvenient and unhygienic. Once the ongoing farm work is completed, I intend to start assembling materials like iron sheets towards building a stable shelter for my goats. This will provide them with a suitable and comfortable living environment, while also allowing my family to have more space in our own living space."

"In the coming year and beyond, my aspiration is to further invest in agriculture by diversifying our farm's crops. I have plans to introduce tomatoes alongside the ongoing maize cultivation, as it is a lucrative venture with a shorter season and manageable requirements, especially given the availability of water. I aim to generate funds from the current maize farming endeavors to support various aspects of our lives, including paying school fees and enhancing our daily living standards. This strategic move will not only contribute to our financial stability but also bring about positive improvements to our overall well-being."

"The moment I received the message brought me immense joy and gratitude. It was around 3:00 p.m. when I received the long-awaited message, and I couldn't help but feel grateful. As we were informed during training, the sender's name was supposed to be Segovia, and upon seeing the name and the accompanying amount, I instantly knew it was the transfer I had been anticipating. I was with my mother-in-law at that time, and she too had received the same message. The shared excitement and joy between us were unmistakable, and we couldn't contain our happiness."

"In the face of adversity, our lively and spirited family found ways to persevere. Goat farming used to be our main source of income, with sales helping us meet our household needs. Unfortunately, frequent droughts devastated our livestock assets, leaving us with limited options. Nonetheless, we remain grateful for the occasional opportunities for casual labor that allow us to put food on the table. The arrival of the first transfer from GiveDirectly brought hope, and we could not afford to waste even a cent but carefully invested it. With $108, we purchased essential household food supplies, including a sack of maize, 20 kg of beans, cooking oil, and 4 kg of sugar, ensuring sustenance for our family of five. Additionally, I dedicated $66 to acquiring clothes for our children, my spouse, and myself, providing some much-needed comfort. Recognizing the importance of agriculture, I allocated $18 to purchase farm inputs such as seeds and fertilizer to cultivate a small piece of land. I saved the remaining funds to address any future household needs that may arise."