"In the upcoming year, my goal is to lease a 4-acre piece of land along Lake Baringo. I intend to sow maize on this land, not only to generate income but also to provide food security for my family of eleven. The advantage of this location is that I can utilize irrigation methods to ensure consistent crop growth, despite the challenges posed by adverse climatic changes. To kickstart this venture, I estimate that I will need a capital investment of $2000. I plan to allocate the profits from our current farming activities towards this new endeavor. By reinvesting in our agricultural efforts, I aim to create a sustainable source of income and food production for my family. Leasing this land presents an opportunity for expansion and diversification, which is crucial for our long-term financial stability. I am optimistic about the potential of this new venture and remain committed to maximizing its success for the benefit of my family."

"My wife and I rely on crop farming and livestock keeping as our main source of income. We practice our crop farming on an acre piece of land , focusing mainly on contract farming under the Kenya Seed Company. This company provides certified maize seeds and offers financial support for land preparation as a loan. Planting and crop management is on us. We frequently experience severe droughts, forcing us to rely on crop irrigation. During extreme droughts, the rivers dry up, leading to poor crop. When the harvest fails, the contracting company expects us to pay the loan back within a period of one year. If we fail, they auction our assets, making it difficult to meet our needs including better housing. I used the last $450 transfer to construct a two-room house with an iron sheet roof because my current one-room muddy house was too small, forcing my wife, our four children, and me to share a single room. The limited space meant we had to cook outside, which became particularly challenging during the rainy season. When we had visitors, we were compelled to ask our neighbors for additional space for them to spend the night. Although the new house is nearly complete, I have yet to install the doors and windows, primarily due to financial constraints. The money from the third transfer was insufficient, but I plan to finish the house as soon as I secure the funds. I am grateful to GiveDirectly for their financial support, which has significantly changed our lives."

"Since we depend mostly on irrigation farming as the main source of livelihood, we intend to invest 60% of our transfers on our farm. Water has been the biggest challenge during prolonged dry season as we have had to hire a water pump on such occasion. This has proven to be very expensive for us. As such, we intend to buy a water pump at a cost of $400, increase acreage by clearing the extended part of the land at a cost of $50 and the remainder, to buy farm inputs. We project that by doing this, our proceeds will double hence increasing our profits."

"I've had a long-term aspiration to expand our house, as our one-room dwelling was becoming increasingly cramped for our growing family. Thanks to the recent transfer, I was able to add another room using the $185 that was gathered for the building materials as well as labor. With the new room, our home feels more spacious and orderly unlike the single room that served as both a living area, kitchen, and bedroom, leading to congestion and disorderliness. This has also relieved us of the embarrassment of hosting visitors in such a cramped space. Additionally, I invested $45 in purchasing a goat, inspired by the livelihood success stories of my neighbors who own livestock. Becoming a proud goat owner is a significant step towards securing our family's financial future through their sales. I also leased an acre of land near the river for $100. This will allow me to engage in irrigation farming, particularly of maize, for both household consumption and commercial purposes. Furthermore, with the anticipation of our new addition to the family in three months, I used $50 to purchase new baby clothes, ensuring that our child will have everything they need upon arrival. Finally, I used the remaining amount to buy food for our family. As a seasonal tractor driver, my income is inconsistent, especially during the non-ploughing season, making it challenging to provide for the family's nutritional needs."

"Now that I have my driving license after completing driving school, I am hopeful that I will secure a job to support my family. With a steady income, I'll be able to meet our basic needs and support my children through their education. Farming has proven to be unsustainable due to the challenges we face with irrigation and unpredictable weather conditions. Therefore, I see securing a job as a more reliable way to provide for my family's future."

"Getting money from GiveDirectly has been a real blessing for us. The cash transfer they provide helps us cover our basic needs and gives us a sense of stability. But you know what would be even better? If GiveDirectly could help us out with building a water point. Right now, setting up our own taps for irrigation farming is too costly for us. If they could help with that, it would make a big difference in our lives and help us become more self-sufficient in the long run."

"I am delighted to share that I've made a significant investment of $400 in purchasing pipes to draw water from Lake Baringo, enhancing irrigation practices on my farm. This decision was prompted by the necessity to improve water management and boost overall irrigation efficiency. Previously, my farm suffered from low productivity due to limited access to water, leading to frequent disruptions and reduced yields as I struggled to borrow equipment. There were instances when the equipment would be taken back before we could complete our work, resulting in negative impacts on our crop yields. However, the installation of the pipes has effectively addressed these challenges, allowing me to irrigate my crops more efficiently. Already, I am seeing promising results, particularly with the thriving tomatoes I recently planted under the improved irrigation system. This investment fills me with happiness and optimism for a bountiful harvest, which, combined with the income from my village kiosk business, will enable me to provide more comfortably for my family of three. With the remaining amount, I purchased food to sustain my family, and I am truly grateful for the support provided by the transfer."

"I am determined to invest in vegetable farming and make the most of my newly fenced farm By investing in irrigation practices, I aim to minimize losses due to changing climatic conditions. This strategy will maximize my yields and allow me to sell the surplus and earn an income. With this income, I hope to provide my children with an education, changing their lives for the better tomorrow. I do not want them to face the same challenges I am facing in the future. My education journey was cut short because my parents couldn't afford my school fees, and they arranged for me to get married instead. Had I had the opportunity to complete my education, my life could have been much better. Now, I am committed to ensuring that my children do not follow in my footsteps and are given every chance to succeed."

"Given the erratic weather patterns and persistent drought plaguing our region, my objective is to acquire an irrigation water pump. This investment will facilitate the irrigation of my crops, particularly during the arid spells of the dry season. Acquiring the water pump promises to liberate my farming activities from the constraints imposed by climatic unpredictability. I am genuinely grateful for the financial assistance provided by Give Directly, recognizing its pivotal role in realizing some of my aspirations."

"GiveDirectly has helped me a lot. Now, I have a generator to pump water for irrigation, which was just a dream before. I don't have any complaints. I like all their programs and how they do things. I'm thankful for everything they've done for me."