"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."

"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."