"Moving forward, I want to transform my farming, which is why my goal for this year is to invest in a generator and essential water pipes for irrigation. With these tools, I’ll be able to water my farm reliably, giving my crops a better chance to thrive. I believe that, along with the income from livestock, this will provide enough food and money for my family. This approach will help me avoid taking loans in the future, as they can be expensive and stressful in the long run. Having a self-sustaining farm brings me hope for a stable and secure future for my family."

"The first thing I did when I received the transfer was put down a $170 deposit on half an acre of land, priced at $550. I had already paid $180 from the first transfer, so I’m getting closer to owning the plot. The place we currently live floods every rainy season, so buying this land means a safer home for my family. I also spent $126 on iron sheets, which I’ll use to build a new house on the land once I finish paying for it. Having a proper house will make a big difference for us, especially since we’ve dealt with so many problems during the rainy seasons. In addition, I leased another half-acre for $40 to grow beans, which will help us secure food and income in the coming months. I feel more hopeful knowing that I can plan ahead like this. With $30, I bought food staples, including maize, to keep us going for now. I’ve also set aside the remainder of the money to cover plowing and irrigation for the upcoming planting season. Every bit of planning is helping me secure a better future for my family. I am grateful for these opportunities because, with these steps, I believe we are finally moving toward a more stable and comfortable life."

"My plan for the coming year is to plant beans on 2 acres of land within the Eldume Irrigation Scheme. You know, it's the perfect time to plant beans—the conditions are ideal, and the scheme has provided us with good, quality seeds. I'm really hopeful that this will turn out well. If everything goes as expected and I get a good harvest, I can sell the beans at $100 per bag. That money would be a huge help, especially when it comes to paying school fees. I have eight children, you see, and two of them are in secondary school now. The costs are really starting to add up. I’ve been managing to pay their fees by selling my cows. It’s not easy, and I’m now down to just one cow, which I’m keeping mainly for milk to feed my family. But I can’t keep selling livestock forever. That’s why I’m really banking on this new source of income from the beans. If all goes well, I won’t have to keep sacrificing what little livestock I have left. It’s my way of securing a more stable life for all of us."

"Upon receiving $450 from GiveDirectly, I was filled with happiness and gratitude because they sent the transfer without delay, allowing me to move forward with my plans. I used $360 to buy a cow, as I previously didn't have one. This will help me cut down on the cost of buying milk, which will be very beneficial for my family in the long run. With $73, I invested in farming by purchasing bean seeds that I had already planted on one acre of land. This amount also allowed me to service my water pump, which I will use for irrigation. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I can get back into farming, and with irrigation, I know this will be a sustainable way to provide for my family. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to improve my livelihood."

"We are currently facing a prolonged period of drought in our region. This has affected our lives negatively owing to the fact that we are unable to plant any crop in our farms. Our main source of water is the lake which is also far and we cannot do any meaningful agricultural activity through irrigation."

"This year and beyond, my goal is to acquire some land in the Parkera irrigation scheme. Previously, I used to lease land, but now I want to buy my own. Owning this land will change my farming for the better because there is a reliable water supply, ensuring a good harvest. With this improvement, I will be able to sell the produce to meet my immediate household needs and pay for my children’s education. This way, I can ensure they have a brighter future."

"When I received $200 from GiveDirectly, I was overjoyed because this money would help protect my family from the devastating effects of floods. I used the entire amount to pay a deposit for a piece of land on higher ground, away from the flood-prone areas. During the floods, my family of four was severely impacted, with the cold affecting us and our farm being destroyed. I believe that buying this new land will permanently shield my family from future floods. I plan to continue using my current land for farming during the dry season, utilizing water from the nearby river for irrigation. This way, I can still benefit from the land while ensuring my family’s safety by living in a more secure area."

"Receiving the cash transfer was a turning point for me, as it allowed me to focus on my education and provide for my family. I have been studying for a diploma in literature, and with the money, I was able to pay my school fees, which cost $250. Farming has been my source of income, primarily through growing vegetables, which has helped me sustain my studies and support my two boys after my wife and I separated four years ago. Furthermore, with the remaining $200, I prepared land, bought seeds, and paid for labor to plant watermelons. Watermelon is a good choice because it’s marketable and doesn't require much management. Plus, it has a short growing period, allowing me to harvest within two months. Currently, I have vegetables growing alongside my watermelon farm, and the income from these vegetables helps me purchase fuel for the generators I use to pump water for irrigation. I feel grateful for this opportunity, as it has enabled me to balance my education and provide for my family. With hard work and careful planning, I am optimistic about the future. I hope to continue growing my farming business while completing my studies, ensuring a better life for my boys and myself."

"For this year and the years to come, my wish is to get married and have a wedding, and I believe this will be possible if my farming succeeds. I’m hopeful because I’ve already leased land in the Parkera Irrigation Scheme, where I plan to grow maize. The thought of everything coming together fills me with satisfaction and joy, as marriage and family are highly valued and respected in my culture. In our society, staying single is not seen as ideal, and having a family is a sign of honor and respect. That’s why I’m determined to do everything I can to get married and have a wedding, fulfilling this important cultural expectation."

"The farm I have been using for my farming activities is no longer productive, as we have been cultivating it for many years. As a result, every season I experience losses, leading to poor harvests and constant hunger. I now have a goal to acquire a new piece of land in a place called Galana. I plan to start saving from my charcoal business and make payments for the land in installments. I am confident that soon I will own it. The land there is very fertile, and with irrigation, I will be able to harvest good yields and avoid running out of food."