"Receiving the transfer has significantly improved my quality of life. I now possess an ample supply of utensils, which means I won't have to borrow from my neighbors anymore when guests visit. This newfound self-sufficiency shields me from the embarrassment I experienced in the past. Moreover, the prospect of soon establishing an extra source of income through crop irrigation farming fills me with contentment. This income, combined with the casual labor I am currently engaged in, will allow me to provide the best possible support for my family."

"Anticipating the final transfer from GiveDirectly, I had initially planned just two significant undertakings for my family. Firstly, constructing a perimeter fence around my farmland was a top priority, and this involved purchasing barbed wire, chain links, poles, and nails, amounting to a total expenditure of $380. This not only marked the boundary of my acreage but also effectively deterred zebras and stray domestic animals from encroaching on my crops. I am pleased that since the completion of the fence, my crop cultivation has thrived, and I am currently looking forward to a substantial harvest of tomatoes and maize. The remaining portion of the transfer, after spending $35 on food, went towards acquiring various household essentials, which are now being used by my family of seven. Throughout this time, our livelihood was sustained by subsistence farming, which encompassed crops like tomatoes, maize, beans, and butternuts. Despite challenges posed by drought, we managed by sharing water from seasonal streams in our village for irrigation purposes."

"In the coming year and beyond, my focus will be firmly set on agriculture. I am determined to lease a parcel of land near the river to establish an irrigation-based farming project. I plan to cultivate a rotation of beans and tomatoes for commercial purposes. Through careful observation, I've come to recognize the substantial returns that can be achieved from this approach. This agricultural venture holds the potential to become a significant and dependable source of income for my family."

"Following a deliberation with my husband, we made the choice to first do the cultivation of a farm in a scheme located near Marigat. Consequently, $100 from the initial transfer was allocated towards the acquisition of seeds and fertilizer, as well as covering certain fees. A notable advantage in this location is our capability to implement irrigation for our crops. This marks a significant shift from the challenges we previously encountered, where we had to engage in casual labor, including charcoal burning, to gather the necessary funds for these endeavors. The remaining portion of the transfer was spent on food for my four grandchildren, with whom I stay with."

"The biggest challenge we face is a lack of food. In the last 3 years, there has been little rain. This has not been enough for growing maize. This has affected our ability to get food. We also depend on irrigation but the water doesn't get to our farm because people upstream use it all. All these have made it difficult to get food. We mainly depend on casual labour which is hard to come by. One is paid $3 per day which can hardly support our family due to the high cost of living. This has made our lives difficult, affecting our ability to put food daily on the table."

"When I lost my formal job, I used the savings that I had to invest in farming. However, the money was not enough to purchase all the farming materials like a generator hence reduced yields due to lack of sufficient water in the farm. I am so happy because the transfers from Givedirectly will see me achieve this ambition and do farming on a full-time basis. I will use $350 to purchase a generator and water pipes for a consistent supply of water. This will ensure an increase in acreage under irrigation hence an increase in output and income."

"In the coming years and beyond, I will focus on maize farming as a means to ensure food security for my family. I am fortunate to have 1/4 acre of land situated near a river, and I am determined to make the best use of it by planting maize. Given the dry nature of our area and the scarcity of rainfall for farming, I plan to employ irrigation methods to sustain the maize crop. This way, I can guarantee a steady supply of food for my family and reduce our dependency on external sources for sustenance. By investing my efforts in maize farming, I am confident that I can provide my loved ones with a stable source of nourishment."

"The recent transfer has been a true blessing for me and my family,as it enabled us to make significant changes in our lives. With $250 of the funds, I made a smart decision of investing in a generator. This purchase has transformed my farming experience, as I no longer have to lease one from my neighbor at a high cost. Now, I can efficiently pump water into my 1/2 acre of land for irrigation, ensuring my crops flourish and yield abundant harvests. Additionally, I used $120 to start a goats rearing project that I have been longing for. I purchased three goats, each worth $40, and I am thrilled to see this venture take shape. Goat rearing is known to thrive in our area, and I am confident it will provide a stable source of income for my family of four. With the last $80, I decided to prioritize my family's well-being. I bought enough food to ensure we are well-nourished, freeing me from the need to seek casual jobs to meet our daily needs. Now, I can fully focus on my farming activities, confident that my family's sustenance is taken care of."

"My house and education for the children top the list of my priorities. At the moment, the walls of my house are half open and this has exposed me to any passersby. This has never given me peace because I always feel so ashamed to expose my beddings to people. With this money, I will be able to spend utmost $300 to ensure my house is renovated to put it in a good state. This will restore my dignity and hence, a happy family. Part of this money ($100), will help me to start a project on farming where I will be growing tomatoes through irrigation. Since my husband works at a water site, it will be easy for me to access water for my project. The remaining amount will help me to settle other household needs including; paying school fees and purchasing of new beddings. Hence, this is generally what receiving this money means to me."

"The support I received has truly transformed my daily life. With the funds, I swiftly fulfill my dream of renovating my kitchen, which has made a tremendous difference in my day-to-day activities. Additionally, I wisely invested in setting up an irrigation system that holds the potential to boost my financial stability. The impact of this support on me is immeasurable, and I cannot express enough gratitude for how it has elevated our living standards."