"I am determined to invest in vegetable farming and make the most of my newly fenced farm By investing in irrigation practices, I aim to minimize losses due to changing climatic conditions. This strategy will maximize my yields and allow me to sell the surplus and earn an income. With this income, I hope to provide my children with an education, changing their lives for the better tomorrow. I do not want them to face the same challenges I am facing in the future. My education journey was cut short because my parents couldn't afford my school fees, and they arranged for me to get married instead. Had I had the opportunity to complete my education, my life could have been much better. Now, I am committed to ensuring that my children do not follow in my footsteps and are given every chance to succeed."

"Given the erratic weather patterns and persistent drought plaguing our region, my objective is to acquire an irrigation water pump. This investment will facilitate the irrigation of my crops, particularly during the arid spells of the dry season. Acquiring the water pump promises to liberate my farming activities from the constraints imposed by climatic unpredictability. I am genuinely grateful for the financial assistance provided by Give Directly, recognizing its pivotal role in realizing some of my aspirations."

"GiveDirectly has helped me a lot. Now, I have a generator to pump water for irrigation, which was just a dream before. I don't have any complaints. I like all their programs and how they do things. I'm thankful for everything they've done for me."

"Living in an old, one-room house with my family of five has been challenging, especially as our children grow older. My eldest child is about to turn 12 years old, and the need for privacy grows, particularly for my husband and me. Our home, with its muddy walls, is helpless during the rainy season. The walls often weaken and leak, making repair strenuous. Additionally, the limited space makes hosting visitors nearly impossible. For the past few years, my husband and I have engaged in small-scale farming to support our family. Unfortunately, changes in rainfall patterns have led to three consecutive years of failed harvests. Renting land near the river for irrigation, to address this farming issue, was beyond our financial reach. Furthermore, building a new home seemed like a dream we couldn't afford. Receiving support from GiveDirectly was a relief. With the $450 transfer we received, we prioritized improving our living conditions. We invested the money in purchasing building materials, including iron sheets and timber, and we are waiting for the last transfer to buy the remaining materials needed and start the construction of our new 2-roomed house. We are thankful for the support from GiveDirectly. It has offered us a path toward a more secure and comfortable living situation for our family."

"Despite our heavy reliance on livestock farming, purchasing food has become increasingly challenging due to soaring prices caused by scarcity and the monopolization of the market by a few successful producers. Looking ahead to the coming year and beyond, my priority is to reduce our dependence on purchased food items for my family of three by intensifying our focus on farming, particularly with the onset of rain after periods of drought. As I age, my primary objective is to ensure an ample supply of food for my grandchildren, who rely on me for sustenance. Despite owning a piece of land, the detrimental effects of drought have made harvesting increasingly difficult. Nonetheless, I remain determined to overcome these challenges and enhance our food security through improved farming practices which include irrigation, and timely planting."

"Looking ahead to the coming year fills me with optimism and determination as I set out to improve my family's living conditions. Currently residing in a dilapidated and temporary small hut, the constant maintenance involving the replacement of thatched grass and the smearing of mud walls is both expensive and tedious. I envision building a two-roomed iron sheet house, offering improved comfort, a better appearance, and ample space for my family of five. To finance this housing project, I intend to engage in proper farming, with hopes that the weather will be favorable. My plan involves planting maize and implementing irrigation using the adjacent seasonal river near my location. The income generated from selling maize will be diligently saved and allocated towards the construction of the new house. This initiative not only aims to enhance the living conditions for my family but also underscores the importance of sustainable and improved housing."

"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."

"I plan to finalize the fencing around my mango farm and diligently manage the mango trees I've planted, which take three years to reach maturity. Mangoes thrive in our region, requiring irrigation only during their growing stage. Fortunately, they perform exceptionally well here, and the market for them is readily accessible—brokers even come directly to the farm to purchase our harvest. After reaching maturity, we can harvest the mangoes three times a year. Ideal for consistent production and sales. This endeavor will allow me to support my family of five and ensure our sustainable future. With the income generated from the mango farm, I look forward to providing a stable and prosperous life."

"Recognizing the role of education, I disbursed $200 to cover school expenses for my two high school-going children from the support I received from GiveDirectly. With the dire state of our living quarters, I invested $106.4 in purchasing building materials to repair our house. Our small, one-room home, previously covered with worn-out iron sheets, often failed to protect us from the rain. With six children, the space constraints were challenging. With visitors, the situation worsened, as they had to sleep outside. To tackle the persisting food shortage issue, I wisely allocated $98.6. As a farmer, nurturing our agricultural practice is paramount. I invested $30 in generator oil to facilitate irrigation and pesticides for our maize farm, recognizing the significance of safeguarding our crops for a fruitful harvest. Prioritizing health, I set aside $15 for medical expenses when my grandchild fell ill. Timely access to healthcare is crucial, and ensuring the well-being of our family members remains a top priority. Engaged in charcoal production and small-scale farming, I confront challenges in sourcing logs, making charcoal production difficult. Our small-scale farming activities face unreliability due to the seasonal nature of the river. Despite lacking a steady job, the financial assistance from GiveDirectly has proven invaluable. It has empowered me to address immediate needs while laying the foundation for a more secure and comfortable future."

"When I received my final transfer of $450 from GiveDirectly, it brought significant relief. With this amount, I paid $400 fees for two of my boys at the high school level, allocating $200 for each. I used the remaining $50 to purchase food for my family. As a farmer, my life revolves around the rhythms of nature. This practice is a livelihood for us and a labor of love, supporting our family of six. However, the journey is not without its challenges. Our reliance on the river for irrigation means that during the dry seasons, when the riverbeds run dry, we face the risk of non-harvest, which can be disheartening. In addition to farming, we rear a few goats. Despite these efforts, the uncertainty of our harvests often left me wondering how I would gather sufficient funds for my children's education. It is where the support from GiveDirectly has been a turning point. Their assistance came at a crucial time, ensuring their education could continue uninterrupted. Without this support, the struggle to secure school fees would have been immense. This gesture of aid from GiveDirectly has helped me secure a future for my children. For this, my gratitude knows no bounds. The peace of mind that comes from knowing my children's education is secured is invaluable, and for that, I am eternally thankful to GiveDirectly."