"It's been a difficult period for the last 3 years. We've had a long drought cutting across seasons. This has led to severe water shortage. Due to our dependence of irrigation for farming, it's hard harvesting. Most of the time my farm dries due to lack of rains or water to irrigate. This has really affected my ability to establish myself. It has led to low farm productivity and I also grow a small portion of the land. This is because of inadequate water supply."

"I invested $300 of the GiveDirectly transfers in building a new home for my family. Previously, we were living in a cramped mud house with just one room, and this upgrade was long overdue. Not only has this new home provided us with much-needed space and comfort, but it also protects us from various inconveniences, including crawling animals. $80 of the transfers went towards securing our food supply. Before, making ends meet was quite stressful as I relied on selling charcoal, which often didn't generate enough income for our family. Now, with the ability to buy food regularly, we are no longer plagued by food scarcity, and this has brought relief to our household. Another valuable investment was the $30 I spent on a water pipe. This allows me to engage in irrigation, ensuring that our farm receives adequate water during dry seasons. This not only supports our food production but also contributes to our overall well-being. Furthermore, I purchased a Neem tree for $40, which serves multiple purposes. Apart from improving the environment around our home, Neem is known for its medicinal properties, which will benefit us health-wise. Additionally, the tree will provide much-needed shade during sunny seasons, making our outdoor space more comfortable. In essence, the GiveDirectly transfers have enabled me to address essential aspects of our lives, from housing and food security to improving our environment and health."

"Receiving this money means achieving my ambition of being a fruit farmer. I have set aside two acres of land that I need to do mango and pawpaw farming on a large scale. Due to financial challenges, I have not fenced the farm making it easier to be encroached on by livestock. I will use the transfers to purchase chain links for permanent fencing and seedlings. At the same time, do piping for laying drop irrigation to ensure continued support of water. I am hopeful that this will earn me a good fortune in the next three years since it has minimum maintenance costs therefore maximizing on profits."

"I had a strong desire to own my cows because the ones currently in my house belonged to my son, and I lacked control over them, particularly when it came to selling them to meet the family's needs. When I received the transfer, I used it to purchase a cow valued at $150. I am genuinely delighted to now have one, and I am optimistic that they will reproduce and multiply in number. These will sustain me through my future, especially considering my old age, which limits my ability to engage in manual labor for income. Additionally, I acquired a 2500-litre water storage tank for $230, which has been instrumental in preserving the rationed water we receive twice a week. I am proud to say that this tank has allowed me to engage in small-scale irrigation for my kitchen garden and fruit cultivation. Consequently, I no longer need to purchase vegetables as frequently as before since I get them from the garden. I allocated $36 to purchase a new mattress, replacing the old and worn-out one I had used for a decade. With the remaining funds, I invested in purchasing cement to finalize the construction of a latrine slab. This was a project I initiated but could not complete due to financial constraints. I am profoundly thankful that the toilet is now fully functional, sparing me the discomfort of sharing one with my neighbor and upholding our dignity and privacy."

"The capacity to acquire pipes for establishing an irrigation system has had the most significant impact on my everyday life. Financial constraints had rendered this purchase impossible in the past. I am overwhelmed with joy that I have now achieved my objective, which means we can now draw water from the river for irrigation. I will forever be grateful for this incredible gift that has transformed my life."

"My family consists of eight members, including my husband, our six children, and myself. My husband is employed as a tour guide, while I support our family by selling fruits and vegetables. Upon receiving funds from GiveDirectly, I viewed it as an opportunity to invest in securing my land through fencing and later implementing an irrigation system since it is situated near a river. Fencing will safeguard my land from intruders while I am away. Consequently, I decided to save $350, which I plan to combine with my third transfer to execute these plans. I then spent the remaining $100, using $60 to purchase food items and $40 for buying clothes. Finally, I can see a ray of hope on the horizon, as all of this was previously unattainable due to financial limitations. The meager income we generated was largely allocated to school fees and essential food supplies."

"With the recurring and unpredictable droughts threatening our land, diversifying our livelihood has become a necessity. To counter this challenge, my plan is to venture into crop farming along the riverbanks, utilizing irrigation to secure our harvest. The first step towards this endeavor is to sell our goats and chickens to finance the lease of land from our neighbors. The ultimate goal is to ensure that my family of seven never goes hungry and that we can weather the droughts with a more reliable source of sustenance."

"I'm truly excited about the prospect of fencing my farm. It represents a significant step towards securing a brighter future for my family. Right now, we have an open field where anyone or anything can access our crops. This has been a constant worry for me, especially now that I'm trying to cultivate various fruits like pawpaws and mangoes. These crops are a source of sustenance and a potential income generator. I envision a thriving orchard that feeds my family and produces surplus fruit for sale, providing a steady income. Additionally, I've used part of the funds to purchase horsepipe, essential for efficient irrigation. I believe this investment will increase the yield from my farm and contribute to our financial well-being. Furthermore, I'm looking to create a tree nursery, this endeavor can serve two purposes. Firstly, it will provide additional income as I sell seedlings to fellow community members looking to start or expand their farms. Secondly, it contributes to the environmental well-being of our area, as more trees mean better soil and water conservation."

"My vision for the future is filled with opportunities for growth and prosperity. With the goal of expanding my farm and improving its irrigation system, I aim to make the most of the dam we have in our vicinity. By using the hosepipe, I can efficiently channel water into my farm, ensuring that my crops thrive, and our lives would take a positive turn. Additionally, I aspire to expand my fruit business into something bigger, perhaps a well-stocked grocery shop. This would provide a convenient shopping destination for the community and offer me a stable source of income. Furthermore, I plan to establish a tree nursery where I can grow and sell seedlings. This venture has the potential to boost our income and even create job opportunities for others in the community. These aspirations reflect my determination to secure a better future for my family and contribute positively to our community. With the support and opportunities provided by GiveDirectly, I am confident that I can achieve these goals and bring about meaningful change in our lives."

"One of my foremost priorities is to invest in acquiring goats. These animals hold significant value in our community, not only as a source of income but also as a symbol of financial stability. By expanding my goat herd, I can ensure that I have a steady source of income, which can be a lifeline in times of financial need. Another important goal I have in mind is to fence my farm. Currently, my farm is situated near the river, which, though advantageous for irrigation, presents certain challenges. Without proper fencing, my crops are vulnerable to damage by animals like goats and other threats. Fencing will safeguard my agricultural endeavors and allow me to farm more efficiently. I won't need to be physically present every day to protect my crops, which means I can invest more time in expanding and diversifying my farming activities. It's amazing how these transfers have the potential to create a ripple effect of progress and prosperity, and I'm eagerly looking forward to making the most of this opportunity and ensure that all my ambitions for the near future are met."