"In the past several months, I refrained from engaging in farming, our primary source of sustenance. Insufficient rainfall hindered our ability to plant crops for household consumption. Consequently, I found myself frequently resorting to purchasing food from local stores at exorbitant prices due to my lack of a reliable source of income. This predicament led to the accumulation of debts exceeding $100, as I had no choice but to buy food on credit. Fortunately, we recently experienced more favorable weather conditions, allowing me to resume farming and eventually yielding a bountiful harvest. With the recent transfers, I have been able to steadily reduce my outstanding debt, having already paid off $70 of it. I am truly grateful for the financial support that enabled me to accomplish this. Furthermore, I spent $20 to cover my grandson's school fees, as he was briefly sent home due to unpaid fees. I am relieved that he was able to resume his studies without any interruptions. I used the remaining transfer to purchase essential food items like beans and sugar, ensuring a consistent food supply in our home. Additionally, I acquired toiletries and various household necessities that were previously lacking."

"Business do well around here, the shops are few and residents are many. It's an opportunity will look to tap in. A good shop need enough stock. We'll spend $600 to build a small structure outside our home. This amount will be enough for the stock also. The profits will help sustain our family for a longer period when we manage it well. Due to the favourable farming environment around here. We plan to spend about $500 to grow water melons under irrigation, on our quarter an acre piece of land. It's very profitable and marketable. If we're lucky we can make upto $800. This is when the market prices are good. We hope to make good money and improve our family fortunes."

"Farming is a joy to me, I own an acre of land. Currently I have planted butter nuts. They fetch good prices and easy to maintain. It uses less pesticides. I am happy since the farm supports me well."

"I strategically invested a significant portion of the funds in my bean farming venture, aligning with the upcoming rainy season as predicted by the meteorological department. Utilizing $200, I procured 50kg of high-quality bean seeds, prepared my one-acre land meticulously, and sowed the seeds. The anticipation is high for a bountiful harvest in December, which I intend to sell, generating an additional income stream that would relieve me of the heavy burden of securing my children’s future, one in secondary and the other in her tertiary education. Additionally, I allocated $170 to secure my child's education. This sum covered her fees for a teacher's training college, ensuring she could promptly commence her studies without any hindrance. In the heart of our humble living space, where laughter and stories weave the fabric of our lives, I made a mindful investment. I invested $65 in new seat cushions, replacing the worn-out ones that had served us for years. The remaining funds were used judiciously to purchase three containers intended for storing honey that I had bought since it was its harvesting season. I plan to sell these products in the future, capitalizing on better market prices. These strategic decisions reflect my commitment to securing our future and optimizing the benefits of the funds received."

"Recently, I fell ill and had to allocate $10 towards purchasing medicinal drugs and traditional herbs for my treatment. Thankfully, the financial support from the transfer enabled me to obtain the necessary medications, resulting in a significant improvement in my health. I am grateful for the assistance, as it played a crucial role in my recovery. With careful planning, I managed to save $50 from the transfer, which I intend to utilize in early next year to purchase goats. Considering the current surge in goat prices, I am optimistic that I will be able to acquire them at a more favorable rate after the festive season in January. This investment in goats holds promise for future financial stability and resilience. A substantial portion of the transfer was allocated towards purchasing essential food items, including sugar, maize flour, wheat flour, and a selection of fruits and vegetables. These provisions not only nourish me but also contribute to strengthening my immune system. The ability of the transfers to support my nutritional needs brings me great satisfaction. As an elderly woman, the transfers have proven to be of utmost importance in reducing my reliance on my daughter. By providing financial assistance for my needs, the transfers empower me to maintain a level of independence and alleviate the burden on my family. I am genuinely grateful for the positive impact the transfers have had on my life."

"Just two months ago, disaster struck when my small grass-thatched house suddenly collapsed while I was having supper. It was a close call, as I narrowly escaped being trapped beneath the falling structure. Determined to regain a safe and secure living space, I invested over $58 in purchasing grass and additional poles to construct a new house. I am incredibly grateful to say that I now have a comfortable and secure place to call home once again. In addition to rebuilding my shelter, I allocated $43 towards purchasing food. This financial support proved to be a lifeline, ensuring that I and my family never went to bed hungry during a time when we had not yet harvested our crops and food prices were exorbitant. Furthermore, I have been struggling with persistent pain in my waist and legs, which significantly hinders my ability to work on the farm. However, thanks to the financial assistance received, I was able to afford an ample food supply, aiding in my overall well-being. I am truly thankful for the support provided through the transfers, as it has not only helped me overcome the challenges I faced but also offered a renewed sense of stability and comfort."

"I have set a new goal to lease a piece of land for cultivation. The land I own has been unproductive because it's not close enough to the river for irrigation, which is crucial in our region due to the frequent lack of rainfall. My plan is to secure at least half an acre near the river and dedicate all my energy to cultivating maize for my family's consumption. We have been buying maize lately, and its prices have soared, making it difficult to afford. Having our source will ensure that my family does not go hungry, providing us with a sense of food security."

"I have a goal to build a new two-room house. Right now, my wife, six children, and I all share a cramped two-room space. As the kids grow, they need separate rooms for boys and girls, which our current house cannot provide. It is also a challenge when we have guests because there is no separate space for them. Having another two-room house would ensure everyone has enough space. The children could stay in the current structure, while my wife and visitors could use the new one. To do this, I estimated that I would need at least $600 for a mud-walled house with an iron sheet roof and concrete skirting. Depending on my motorcycle taxi business might make it a challenge to get that money all at once, especially with rising fuel prices and fewer customers due to higher prices. However, I believe that with the cash transfers and my income combined, I can make this happen."

"I recently acquired a goat for $48, noting the significant increase in livestock prices due to high demand. This decision to invest in a goat stems from the desire to secure a long-term investment that extends beyond the duration of the financial support we are currently receiving. With the goats expected to multiply, it presents a wise investment opportunity. Additionally, I allocated $20 to pay for the school fees of my six children who are still attending primary school. This ensured that they could continue their education without any interruptions. As the third term began, I also purchased new school uniforms for my three children, specifically shirts, which amounted to $7. Ensuring their proper school attire is essential. Moreover, I utilized a portion of the funds to expand my small kiosk business. The additional stock includes household items, maize flour, tea leaves, and other food items. The income generated from the business significantly contributes to meeting my family's needs, and I am incredibly grateful for that support. Overall, these investments and expenses demonstrate my commitment to securing a stable future for my family while ensuring their education and well-being are not compromised."

"As a casual laborer, my primary source of income comes from selling local toothbrushes made from medicinal tree twigs. Unfortunately, this job does not always yield substantial earnings, and I often rely on the monthly stipend from Give Directly to support my family. I have the responsibility of caring for my three grandchildren, including covering their educational expenses. To ensure their uninterrupted education, I used $10 to clear their school fee balances, allowing them to continue learning without any disruptions. Recognizing the value of investing for the future, I purchased a goat worth $45, despite the increasing prices. I believe that this is a wise investment that will pay off in the long run. In a few months, the goat will multiply, and I can sell the offspring to generate income for the well-being of my family. A significant portion of the funds, totaling $55, was allocated for food purchases. The previous three months were particularly challenging as we had not yet harvested our crops, forcing us to buy food at high prices from local shops. The financial support I have received has greatly assisted us in surviving this difficult economic situation, and I am immensely grateful for the positive impact it has had on my family's well-being."