"I consider myself fortunate to own four acres of land, but due to a lack of capital, I have only been able to plant on one acre in the past. This year has been particularly challenging, as I lost my entire crop; however, I refuse to let that setback deter my plans for the future. I am determined to invest in irrigation equipment, including a generator, which will enable me to plant more efficiently and in a timely manner across all four acres. I intend to use my final transfer to make this investment a reality, as I believe it will significantly increase my yields. With the income generated from planting the entire four acres, I will be able to meet my family’s needs, including school fees and daily expenses, ensuring a more stable and secure future for us all." (Country: Kenya)

"For more than ten years, I have been living in a grass-thatched house, which has not been easy. As a small-scale farmer who occasionally takes on casual jobs, my income has always been limited, and I have been the sole provider for my four children. I am planning to use part of my final transfer to build a better house, even if it means starting with just one room. What matters most to me is that it will be made of iron sheets, providing a more secure and durable shelter for my family." (Country: Kenya)

"As a dedicated crop farmer, I have been focusing on my current planting of butternut squash and green grams, which I expect to be ready for harvest in about two months. Witnessing the success of my wife's business has inspired me to pursue my entrepreneurial dreams. I plan to start my own business focused on buying and selling charcoal, which I believe has significant potential. My strategy is to open a store in town where I can purchase charcoal for around $7 and sell it for approximately $10 per bag. especially since charcoal is readily available due to the legalization of harvesting from the prosopis tree, which is known for producing high quality charcoal. This investment not only aims to enhance my financial stability but also to contribute to our family's overall economic growth." (Country: Kenya)

"In the coming years, I plan to expand my crop farming activities from the half a acre of land I currently cultivate to two acres. This expansion is crucial because, with the additional space, I can grow more maize and increase my yield, which will allow me to better address my family's needs. I intend to use my final transfer from GiveDirectly to fund this expansion. By planting a variety of crops, I can create a more sustainable farming practice that protects against market fluctuations and increases my income. Ultimately, my goal is to stop leasing land and purchase my own, enabling me to invest in a diverse range of crops and secure a stable future for my family." (Country: Kenya)

"In the coming year, my plan is to focus on crop and livestock farming, which I believe will provide a sustainable income for my family. I intend to use my next transfer to buy more sheep as they multiply quickly. Alongside livestock, I am planning to plant butternut squash, a crop that thrives in our area and promises good returns. The profits from these investments will be crucial for prioritizing my children's education. With eleven children to care for, my ultimate goal is to ensure that all of them finish school and have better opportunities for the future. I didn't have the chance to go to school myself, but I have seen firsthand the difference education can make. Those who have had the privilege of an education lead more stable and fulfilling lives, and I want the same for my children, not just for their sake but also so that they can support me in my old age." (Country: Kenya)

"I am planning to open a kiosk because, as a farmer, I realize that farming is seasonal, and there are times when I remain idle, waiting for the next planting season. To empower myself as a woman and have a continuous income, I need an alternative source of livelihood during these off-seasons. Although my husband and I plant separately, we both contribute to our family's needs, so this kiosk will help me add to that support. Currently, I have planted beans on an acre of land and black nightshade on half an acre, and the market for these crops is readily available. I anticipate earning about $400 from the beans and $300 from the black nightshade, which I plan to invest in starting my kiosk while continuing with my crop farming activities for a more stable income." (Country: Kenya)

"I am a farmer, and this is my main source of income. However, in the past, I planted crops without considering several important factors, like market demand, because I didn't have the necessary irrigation equipment. As a result, I limited myself to short-cycle crops and those that required little water. Now that I have bought a generator, I am planning to expand my farming operations. I used to plant only on 1 to 1.5 acres, despite having a larger tract of land, but with the generator, I plan to increase this to over 3 acres. I also intend to be more strategic in choosing which crops to plant, focusing on marketable and profitable varieties. To achieve this, I will use my final transfer to cover the expansion costs and undergo farmer training to help me acquire new skills and become a more professional farmer, better equipped to succeed in the future." (Country: Kenya)

"Beside crop farming, with the challenges I have experienced through droughts and floods, I am planning to invest more in goats. Unlike crops, goats do well and are not affected as much by climate shocks, making them a more reliable source of income. This investment will help me address important needs like school fees for my children and daily household expenses. Additionally, the goats will provide a steady milk supply for my family, reducing the need to buy milk. To reach my goal, I plan to save money from charcoal production and use part of my final transfer to purchase at least ten goats." (Country: Kenya)

"Financial freedom is what receiving this money means to me. I solely depend on fishing to earn a living and recently my income has been affected by the rains and reduced a lot. I plan on purchasing ten goats after losing some to drought. This will enable me to have an alternative source of livelihood when another one is down. I also want to renovate my house and this makes me happier considering my life is going to change." (Country: Kenya)

"It was a beautiful morning when I received $200 from GiveDirectly. I felt an overwhelming sense of happiness because I knew this money would help lighten the burdens I currently faced. I immediately shared the good news with my husband, and we both felt a wave of relief. The first thought that came to my mind was to use the money to pay the school fees for my children, who had been sent home due to unpaid fees. Knowing that I could help them return to school filled me with hope and gratitude. This support from GiveDirectly has truly made a difference in our lives." (Country: Kenya)