"Recognizing the financial strain of consistently purchasing food for my family, especially during lean times when my charcoal business faces challenges, I've decided to proactively address this issue. To find a sustainable solution, I am planning to lease a quarter acre of land near the river and engage in farming through irrigation. The comprehensive farming plan includes cultivating maize, beans, green grains, and vegetables. By diversifying our crops, I aim to ensure a steady and varied supply of food for my family. The strategic location near the river allows for irrigation, mitigating the impact of erratic weather conditions and fostering a more reliable crop yield. Through this, I will provide sufficient food for daily consumption and also alleviate the financial burden associated with buying food regularly. The prospect of becoming more self-sufficient through farming brings a sense of hope and resilience to our household, promising a brighter and more secure future."

"In the coming years, my primary goal is to prioritize my children's education, ensuring the timely payment of their fees. This is essential to creating an environment where they can concentrate on their studies, a crucial step in securing our family's financial stability in the future. The plan involves leasing land near a river for easy irrigation access. I am committed to putting in the necessary effort to ensure timely farm activities and acquire the required inputs. I will be alternating between maize and beans farming, and I aim to sell the produce to cover educational expenses. The prospect of providing the best for my children brings a sense of purpose and determination."

"Receiving $450 from GiveDirectly marked a turning point in my life. With this significant amount, I allocated the funds to address various pressing needs. First, I spent $117.5 on food. Securing food has always been a challenge, as we rely on casual jobs and small-scale farming. We depend on rainfed agriculture since accessing water for irrigation is difficult due to the distance from a water source. We focus on short-season crops, as these are the only ones we can grow with certainty, provided we time them right. Living on the border has its own set of challenges. Our neighboring community once stole seven cows and thirty goats, a significant blow to our livelihood. My husband and I work together in farming to support our family of 11. We have nine children, three of whom have completed higher studies, while the rest are still in school. The payment of school fees has always felt like an unattainable dream. However, with the funds from GiveDirectly, I allocated $232.5 for this purpose. The relief and gratitude I felt are indescribable. I thank God for this incredible assistance. With the festive season, I also wanted to bring some joy to my family. Therefore, I spent $100 on clothes for the Christmas holiday. I extend my heartfelt thanks to GiveDirectly. Their support provided immediate and instilled a sense of hope and stability in our lives, for which we are grateful."

"Upon receiving my transfer from GiveDirectly, I embarked on a transformative journey for my farm. With an investment of $400, I fenced my land. I had never considered fencing before, been prioritizing my six children's education. The primary purpose of the fence was to safeguard my flourishing mango orchard. I have devoted substantial effort to cultivating these mangoes and plan to expand the orchard further. Farming has been a joint venture with my husband. We've faced challenges, notably a severe drought that severely affected our livestock, and heartbreaking losses to banditry, which claimed our cows and goats. These losses deeply impacted our farming livelihood. We practice crop production, relying on irrigation, as the river nearby is seasonal. This dependence has drawbacks, as there are years, sometimes stretching up to five when we don't reap any harvest. The uncertainty of crop production has been a constant challenge. With the remaining $50 from the transfer, I addressed our immediate concern – food scarcity. This decision ensured that while we strive for long-term sustainability through farming, our immediate needs, particularly nutrition, were not overlooked. Despite the challenges, we remain committed to our farming life, continuously adapting and striving for a better future for our family."

"I am immensely thankful for the support from GiveDirectly. With their assistance, I purchased three goats for $170, a token of remembrance and a long-term investment for my family. Additionally, I spent $15 on deworming the goats to ensure their health and productivity. Food security being a priority, I allocated $95 for buying maize. Crucial as my previous attempt at farming maize, alongside beans, yielded poor results. My family's sustenance largely relies on small-scale farming, which is challenging given our dependence on a seasonal river for irrigation. My husband and I also undertake casual jobs to support our family of seven. I am an Early Childhood Development teacher by profession, and my husband, a plant operator, facing employment challenges. The timing of the GiveDirectly transfer was perfect, coinciding with the Christmas holiday. I used $60 of the funds to buy clothes for my children, a festive gesture that brought them immense joy. Education remains a priority for us. Thus, I invested $10 in books for my three school-going children and paid $20 towards their fee arrears. I used $70 on constructing a toilet, a much-needed facility in our home, ending our dependence on neighbors’ amenities. which brought us great relief and happiness. The remaining $10 addressed transport costs. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to GiveDirectly for their invaluable support, which has s improved our living conditions and brought hope and stability to our lives."

"My focus is on cultivating maize and beans. Fortuitously, my father owns a three-quarter piece of land that lies fallow. With his permission, I plan to utilize this land for my agricultural endeavors. This opportunity is particularly timely, as I am navigating life as a single mother to three children after separation. My strategy involves harnessing irrigation farming, which promises a consistent and reliable yield regardless of seasonal changes. By doing so, I aim to produce enough food to sustain my family and generate a surplus. Selling this excess produce will provide a vital source of income. This agricultural venture is more than just a means of livelihood; it's a step towards my family's stability. It represents hope and resilience. As we embark on this journey, the land, once idle, will become a testament to our perseverance and determination to build a brighter future."

"Since losing my husband five years ago, I've been the sole breadwinner for my three children, relying on casual jobs for sustenance. My matrimonial family, unfortunately, hasn't been supportive during these trying times. However, I am now channeling my efforts into farming, focusing on a half-acre rented land near a river, which presents a promising opportunity for irrigation farming. My primary crop will be maize, as it's not only the staple food in our region but also holds the potential for generating income. By cultivating maize, I aim to achieve self-sufficiency in our food needs and plan to sell any surplus. This strategy will provide for our daily nutritional requirements and address other essential needs of our household. This shift towards agriculture represents more than just an economic activity; it's a step towards stability and independence. Through this, I hope to secure a prosperous future for my family."

"I really want to do something special this year and in the future. My plan involves a determined effort to purchase land, even if it's just a quarter-acre. Right now, I live in a small place my dad gave me. Acquiring additional land will serve as a catalyst for venturing into agriculture, offering an additional income stream. I intend to focus on cultivating maize for commercial purposes, especially given its favorable performance with irrigation. To realize this goal, I have strategized to utilize part of the third transfer to secure the land. I am also going to work harder to boost grocery sales and increase daily savings. By doing so, I aim to accumulate the necessary funds to make payments for the land acquisition. This plan means a lot to me because I see it as a step towards having better financial stability and self-sufficiency, aligning with my aspirations for sustainable growth and prosperity in the coming years.."

"My primary goal is to secure a bright future for my ten children by ensuring they all complete their education. To achieve this, I am deeply committed to focusing on our farming activities to maximize productivity. Education is the key to changing their futures, and I am determined to unlock this door for them. The journey isn't easy. It requires hard work, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of efficiency in our agricultural practices. I seek innovative farming techniques to increase our yield. Whether it's through adopting new farming methods or improving our irrigation system, every enhancement on the farm is a direct investment in my children's education. This vision of ensuring all my children finish school keeps me motivated. It's a challenging journey that I undertake with hope and determination. we're not just planning to cultivate crops but cultivating dreams."

"Lacking formal education and aspiring to be self-employed, my focus lies in agriculture. I possess two hectares of cassava awaiting harvest, ensuring a potential income exceeding $100. To enhance crop yields, I intend to implement furrow irrigation using connected water pipes, diminishing dependence on erratic rainfall. The direction ahead is evident – an independent venture in agriculture, nurturing both crops and opportunities for a prosperous future."