"Livestock farming has long been the backbone of our community's economy, offering stability even in the face of harsh droughts. With the recent transfer, I saw an opportunity to invest in three goats, allocating $200 to purchase them. These goats hold promise for the future, as I plan to breed them and eventually sell their offspring for additional income. Recognizing the importance of improving our living conditions, I allocated $140 towards household essentials, including a bed, mattress, and blankets to ensure a more comfortable rest. Additionally, I invested in new clothing, including a pair of shoes, to upgrade my wardrobe. I spent $30 to acquire equipment for collecting and storing rainwater as a way of addressing the challenge of water storage. To sustain my family of three, I spent $60 on food, comprising maize and beans. I wisely saved the remaining $20, which serves as a buffer for replenishing household goods and purchasing additional food items. I am immensely grateful for the support from GiveDirectly, which has reignited hope and contributed to our improved livelihood, aligning with the aspirations of our community members."

"Due to the limited income from my local palm wine vending, I faced challenges in providing for my family and saving for both water connection and a house. This burden weighed heavily on me, but GiveDirectly lightened it with their transfer. Now, as the house construction progresses and we await approval for the water connection, my earnings comfortably cover our family's daily essentials. This brings us immense happiness, and we are deeply grateful. Soon, my wife will no longer need to trek long distances in search of water, freeing up her energy for more constructive activities that contribute to our family's well-being"

"After receiving my recent transfer, I utilized the $310 to establish a kitchen and a pit latrine. Previously, our cooking activities took place outdoors, leaving us missing meals during rainy seasons. However, the lack of proper sanitation facilities led to the discomfort of using the bush as a toilet, which was sometimes embarrassing.Out of the total amount received, $125 was allocated towards purchasing food. We depend on income we,I and my Husband generate from charcoal burning and selling firewood. Feeding our family of six has been challenging, particularly when market opportunities are limited.The remaining funds were directed towards acquiring petrol for a power generator essential for irrigating our nearly mature half-hectare bean farm. I prefer beans due to their tolerant to drought conditions and their lower water requirements.My gratitude towards GiveDirect for improving the quality of life I am living now."

"In my opinion, GD has been remarkably beneficial, providing generous support through their unconditional transfers. This assistance has allowed me to acquire land for my family, a prospect that would have been unattainable due to my financial constraints. I am grateful that we have been able to make a partial payment for the land, with plans to utilize the next transfer to settle the remaining amount. This support has alleviated the stress and uncertainty we faced before, especially concerning the possibility of being asked to leave the borrowed land where we currently reside. Our situation is unique, as we had to borrow temporarily after being displaced from our original homeland by the rising waters of Lake Baringo. I am truly appreciative, and the sense of relaxation and security now contrasts significantly with the challenges we previously encountered."

"I am setting my sights on a transformative project for my home: investing in a water piping system and purchasing a storage tank. The trek to the river is tedious. Currently, I rely on the kindness of neighbors having their water systems, a temporary solution that highlights the need for a more sustainable approach. Piping water to my homestead will secure a consistent water supply for my livestock, enhancing their well-being and productivity and enabling me to start kitchen gardening once I fence my land. This venture into gardening promises a dual benefit: it will provide my family with fresh produce while allowing us to be more self-sufficient. Having a reliable water source at home means freedom from the perennial water issues that have long plagued us. It's a step towards a significant improvement in our quality of life."

"I am a single mother of four and depends on subsistence farming. However, drought has been the major setback for my farming activity. Most of the time the family goes without food. I will use $500 to buy ten goats as an investment. I need to shift from crop farming to animal farming. Goats are resistant to drought. This investment will help me raise school fees for the four children once they join secondary school. I will also use $400 to install tap water at the compound. This will help me access water easily."

"Looking ahead to the coming years and beyond, I plan to embark on a tomato farming project. Inspired by the success of my neighbors who have found prosperity through irrigation, I see an opportunity to thrive in our area, given the accessibility to water for irrigation on my land. The prospect of contributing to my family's well-being by selling tomatoes brings a sense of fulfillment and a commitment to supporting my husband in our shared responsibilities. Additionally, my family has a long-term plan to purchase a piece of land outside our current area. This decision is driven by my observations of cultural practices in this region, particularly the prevalence of female genital mutilation (FGM). This cultural tradition is something I strongly oppose, recognizing the serious health risks associated with it, and I am determined not to let my daughter go through it. Therefore, relocating to a faraway place from here provides a safer and more culturally aligned environment for my family's future."

"When I received my second transfer, I invested in building materials to construct a new house for my family. The current one is too small for us family of five. We lack space to accommodate visitors who, unfortunately, have to sleep at our neighbors' homes, which is far from ideal. The materials cost $433.5. Upon receiving my final transfer, I will commence construction. With the remaining $16.5, I added a little more to purchase a 210-liter water drum. It is crucial for us, especially during the dry season, as we face severe water shortages in our area. As a small-scale farmer practicing irrigation, the seasonal river has been a challenge. For three years, my harvests have been poor, leading to a decrease in income and making it difficult to meet my family's needs. This situation also prevented me from expanding our house and contributed to the accumulation of loans from our local SACCO. Recently, my husband secured a delivery job. Although the salary is modest, it brings us hope. With his support, we're optimistic about managing our finances better. I am grateful to GiveDirectly for their support."

"I have devised a strategic plan to prioritize and enhance our farming activities by cultivating crops and rearing goats, which thrive well in our region. The objective is to mitigate the challenges associated with the unreliable nature of our small-scale farming, worsened by the seasonality of the nearby river. To address the issue of erratic rainfall, I intend to implement timely planting practices. By carefully aligning our planting schedule with the expected rainfall patterns, we aim to optimize crop growth and minimize the impact of water scarcity. Diversifying our crops is another aspect of my farming strategy. I plan to alternate between maize, beans, and green grams in our fields. This rotational approach helps soil nutrients and acts as a risk mitigation measure. If one crop is affected by adverse conditions, the others may still thrive, providing a more stable source of income and sustenance. In addition to crop cultivation, I see great potential in goat farming for our region. Goats are well-suited to the local conditions. By investing in goat rearing, I aim to leverage their adaptability to contribute to our family's economic stability. The ultimate goal is to sell agricultural products to generate income."

"The iron sheets on my roof have aged significantly, exhibiting holes that allow rainwater to seep into the house during rainfall. My objective is to accumulate sufficient funds from upcoming transfers and gradually acquire new iron sheets, with the aim of eventually replacing the entire roof. The financial support from the transfers has brought me considerable joy, enabling me to lead a significantly improved life compared to my circumstances before."