"Upon receiving the most recent transfer from GiveDirectly, I immediately set to work on my tomatoes farm and a new piece of land that needed preparation for the upcoming planting season. With the funds, I spent $250 on completing the management practices for the tomatoes farming and getting the additional acre of land ready for planting maize, with the aim of using the crops for both home consumption and selling any surplus to cover other household bills. I spent the remaining $200, to cover labor costs for planting maize on one acre, and this included the installation of new irrigation pipes across the entire area. Having access to sufficient water for irrigation greatly facilitated our work, and we are optimistic about achieving a bountiful harvest by the end of the season, which will undoubtedly benefit my family of seven."

"Previously, I had rented 1.5 acres of land using the second transfer, and I was eagerly anticipating the third transfer to begin maize farming. Once I received the funds, I immediately allocated $300 to the tilling of the land and purchased essential farm inputs like maize seeds and fertilizers. I utilized the remaining $150 to buy top dressers for the farm and cover the daily irrigation costs. As we are speaking, I am thrilled to report that the maize crop is thriving, and I am optimistic about a successful harvest. I am anticipating around 25 sacks of maize, which will serve as a significant source of food for my family of eight. Considering the high purchase price of maize, having a substantial stock will safeguard me from the impact of rising prices. I firmly believe that this harvest will last until the next harvest comes next year, ensuring food security for my family during that period. This successful venture into maize farming brings hope and stability to our household."

"I allocated $70 to purchase essential food items, understanding the urgency of the situation and the importance of securing provisions for my family during these challenging times. With the remaining funds, I decided to lease a piece of land for farming. It cost me $300, but it was strategically located along the river, allowing me to implement irrigation whenever necessary. I saw this as an opportunity to invest in a more stable future and increase our chances of having enough food in the long run. Part of the money went towards paying $50 for school fees, reflecting my commitment to education and providing opportunities for a better life for my family. To make the most of the farming venture and avoid borrowing tools, I spent $30 to purchase equipment like a hammer and a saw. This way, I could efficiently build essential structures, such as the chicken house, and ensure a successful farming operation. The assistance I received from GiveDirectly made all of this possible. Without their support, I wouldn't have been able to take these steps towards a more sustainable future. Now, I am patiently waiting for the crops to mature, hopeful that they will shield us from the inadequacies of food and lead us to a more self-sufficient life."

"Previously, our family of five relied on livestock farming for our livelihood, but the adverse effects of drought have made it unproductive and unreliable. However, the support we received from GiveDirectly has made a significant difference in our lives. With the second transfer, I allocated $35 towards purchasing food supplies, hoping for rainfall that would enable us to resume our farming activities. Recognizing the importance of self-sufficiency in food production and exploring market opportunities, I made a substantial investment in a generator, which cost $270. This generator will play a vital role in pumping water for irrigation on the one-acre piece of land I am currently farming and can also be leased out to other farmers, providing an additional source of income. To facilitate water conveyance, I also acquired four plastic pipes and a 6-meter hose pipe for $104. Additionally, I used $22 to buy farm inputs such as fertilizer and bean seeds. During the planting process, I spent $5 to hire labor, ensuring efficient and timely sowing. The remaining $10 was spent on essential household goods that were previously lacking."

"With the second transfer, I allocated the funds strategically to further develop my new piece of land, which I intended to cultivate for vegetable farming. The fencing around the land required significant resources, and I was grateful that the transfer proved invaluable in this regard. To complete the fencing project, I invested $290 in purchasing barbed wire and six chainlinks, successfully enclosing the area. Additionally, I hired a labor force to clear the wooden remnants from the ground, spending $80 to complete this task. I am delighted to see that the land is now almost ready for planting, although I have yet to install irrigation equipment due to unfavorable weather conditions. In terms of my family's well-being, I allocated $35 to purchase food for our household of nine individuals. Moreover, I ensured that my second-grade daughter's educational needs were met by paying her $25 school fees, enabling her to focus on her studies. Previously, our livelihood relied on subsistence farming, supported by my husband, who is both a teacher and a farmer. From his salary, we managed to cover the school fees for our five children while attending to other household responsibilities. Additionally, I used a portion of the funds to purchase necessary household goods, ensuring the needs of our family were adequately met."

"Receiving the transfers brought hope to my family of six, who had experienced a food shortage, even resulting in skipped meals due to a lack of finance to cater for the food since I normally get very low income from the irregular casual work I do in the village. Swiftly addressing our immediate needs, I purchased $100 in essential dry cereals, which include 1 sack of maize and 10 kg of beans. Recognizing the urgency to accommodate our fast growing family, I embarked on a new plan to build a spacious two-room semi-permanent house. The current one we are living in is just a one-room house. I used $160 to acquire 15 iron sheets as the starting point for this crucial construction. Taking responsibility for outstanding debts, I used $60 to clear our food debt I owed at a nearby shop, relieving me from the shame of being reminded about it every day by the owner. With a focus of ensuring food security for my family, I invested $50 in renting an acre of land close to a river, enabling irrigation for our agricultural pursuits. I also used the remaining amount to purchase farm input,maize seeds and cover essential expenses for tilling and labor during planting of this land."

"For the longest time I have wanted to do farming but due to financial constraints, I have never done it. I have three acres of land along the river and it needs proper fencing before planting. Join receiving these transfers I will purchase good fencing material, a generator and pipes for laying drip irrigation. Afterwards, I can venture into farming full the as I would no longer have to worry about efficient production of vegetables. With the high demand, I can fetch good amount of money which will help me change my life around further more pursuing agricultural interests."

"Receiving this money means financial freedom. I desire to do irrigation on my two-acre land. I sold land to purchase a generator for pumping water to the farm but the money was not enough to purchase water pipes. These transfers will enable us to start up vegetable farming and ensure a constant flow of income for my family. I am thankful for the opportunity to make my life better and I am hopeful to take my children to school up until they pursue their careers."

"Every night, my firstborn son—who is unemployed—would move from one neighbourhood to another in search of a place to sleep. As his mother, I had to endure restless nights because, although being a teenager, he was still in my care. Because of the tiny size of our family compound, I thus choose to buy him a plot with the second transfer so that he can start a family and enjoy the privacy he deserves. For now, we are working to raise more money so that we can build a new structure for him. Additionally, one of the issues I deal with is food insecurity; I spent $146 on food, which took us a month. Additionally, I was able to purchase water pipes because I intended to install fresh tap water in my compound. The cost was $40. Being used for domestic and agricultural motives will be a relief. At first, it was difficult since we had to go far away to get water. I will be able to practice irrigation for the moment. After finishing that, I spent $20 on maize seedlings, which I successfully planted on a half-acre plot. One of my five children had also been expelled for unpaid tuition, so I paid the $20 arrear to allow her to finish her studies. My wife and I don't have a stable income, and sometimes we just make $3 a day, which is insufficient to sustain our family, therefore I am convinced that she could still be at home by now."

"My wife and I sat down and decided that we should buy a water tank that would be utilized to store water primarily for home needs and to allow us to practice the irrigation plan due to the protracted drought that we have been experiencing. So, after receiving the money, we bought the tank and a hosepipe for about $200. We are currently waiting for the rains to begin so that we can finish starting this assignment. I believe it will be a relief because our farm output will increase and I won't have to trek as far in quest of water as I did in previous years. Additionally, one of my sons is in form two and had been at home for nearly two weeks. Because I have always wanted him to succeed in the future, I paid the outstanding balance and had him resume his studies with his friends. He is no longer burdened by late payments. Making ends meet was a constant challenge for me as the family's sole provider for seven members. Later on, I was able to expand my kiosk business, which allowed me to eventually become financially independent."