"Due to a poor harvest in the last farming season, we have depleted our stored food and are now reliant on purchasing all our food items. This situation has led me to spend approximately $20 of my monthly transfers on foodstuff in recent months, ensuring my family does not suffer from hunger. As a motorcycle taxi operator, my income is modest and barely enough to support my large family, so I have become increasingly reliant on the transfers for our basic needs. During drought seasons like now, we also have to budget for water, which can cost as much as $5 per week which sometimes I budget for using the transfers . Additionally, the transfers have also been of help whenever unexpected expenses arise, such as last month when I was involved in a minor accident while working. The entire amount of my transfers was used to cover my medical expenses. Without these funds, I likely would not have been able to afford the necessary medical care, as I had no savings at the time."

"In the coming year, my main goal is to use the GiveDirectly cash transfers on rebuilding our house, which has become too small for our growing family. It's equally in a bad state, whenever it rains, water seeps in from the ground. If all goes well with my current business, I will open a saloon to diversify my sources of income—an endeavor I've long desired. The thought of the transfers fills me with boundless gratitude, and each time I receive the cash, my joy knows no bounds."

"My biggest concern is building a new house. The current house is in poor condition, and it has been damaged over time. The mud walls have weakened, and the iron sheets have corroded, letting in water whenever it rains, making the space damp. I have been saving some funds from the transfers for this purpose, and I hope I will have achieved a substantial amount in a year. I have also started rearing chickens, and I hope they will have grown a bigger flock in one year so that I can sell them to support the house construction."

"I aim to repair the roof of my house. Some of the iron sheets were blown away by strong winds leaving an opening that lets in rain water. Besides, some of the iron sheets have corroded over time. I aim to replace them one by one, as I cannot afford to collectively buy the materials at a go. I also want to start rearing goats. Come June, I wish to have started buying the goats. I believe that owning livestock is the perfect way I can raise school fees for my four children who I was left with when their father passed away. I hope to achieve these goals through the help of cash transfers."

"Before, getting fresh water was a daily struggle. We had to trek long distances, and sometimes we endured water shortages for weeks on end. It was exhausting and worrying, especially during dry spells. With the support I received, I was able to purchase a water tank for $185. This investment has made a world of difference. I no longer worry about water scarcity. I also used $99 to improve the water system by setting up piping and plumbing directly to the tank. Now, fetching water is easy and convenient. I'm incredibly grateful for this change. Having access to clean water has not only improved my quality of life but also brought peace of mind knowing that I'm prepared for any shortages. Additionally, I decided to invest some of the money in the future. I used $80 to purchase two goats. This investment not only provides a potential source of income but also adds a layer of security for my family's future. Furthermore, I was able to extend a helping hand to my son when he faced difficulties with his son's education. I contributed $50 towards his son's school fees, ensuring that he could return to school without any barriers. It's fulfilling to be able to support my family and invest in our future, thanks to the assistance I received from GiveDirectly."

"When I received the second transfer from GiveDirectly, I was facing a financial challenge. My son had been accepted into a water engineering course at college, and the required fees were beyond our means. With $500 from the transfer, I made the crucial decision to use it towards his college expenses. Despite the fee being $700, this contribution was invaluable as it allowed us to enroll him in the institution. My husband, a tailor by profession, simply couldn't cover the cost all at once. This financial assistance provided us with the breathing room we needed to gather additional funds to sustain his education. With the remaining amount, I prioritized ensuring our family's basic needs were met. I purchased essential food items to alleviate some of the financial strain we were facing. This act of assistance from GiveDirectly not only helped secure my son's education but also provided relief for our immediate needs."

"In the coming year and beyond, I have a few goals in mind that I hope to accomplish. Firstly, I aim to install a fresh water tap at home. Currently, fetching water is quite a task as it is located far away. Having easy access to clean water would not only save time and effort but also promote better hygiene and health for my family. Additionally, I plan to continue investing in my goat farming, expanding it further to ensure a more stable source of income. With these steps, I aspire to create a more comfortable and secure future for myself and my loved ones."

"From my second transfer from GiveDirectly, I allocated $100 towards paying the school fees for my two children, reducing their arrears by $50 each. We have two children in elementary school level and one in secondary school. My wife and I engage in crop production to sustain our family. Additionally, we operate a posho mill business. I invested in 5 bags of maize costing $150, to further boost this business. It has proven to be a valuable supplement to our crop production, which can be unreliable due to occasional water shortages. Although we rely on irrigation, the nearby river is seasonal. However, I ensure timely planting to minimize losses and sometimes relocate my farming activities to a location near a permanent river, where I rent land. Our primary crops are maize and beans. Unfortunately, the lack of a storage facility has been a challenge, forcing us to sell our produce immediately, often at minimal profit margins. This situation also limited our ability to reserve food for future use, as improper storage could lead to spoilage. I spent $200 from the transfer, with some building materials I had previously purchased to construct a store. The store is now complete. It will enable us to store our farm produce, keep some for our consumption, and sell the surplus when market prices are more favorable. For instance, a 90kg sack of maize can sell for up to $50 during the off-season, compared to $30 or less during peak season. I am grateful to GiveDirectly."

"As a real farmer, I felt really happy when I got $450. I was tired of renting farm tools from my neighbors, so I decided to invest all of the $450 in buying tools like a knapsack sprayer, hosepipes, and pipes to connect to a generator for watering the farm. I got the generator with the first payment from GiveDirectly. I chose to fully invest in agriculture by planting maize on one hectare of land. I knew that having enough food at home would allow me to look for other jobs. Before receiving cash from GiveDirectly, I used to do casual labor on other people's farms for $3 a day. Sometimes, I would also make charcoal, getting three bags a week, which I sold for $6 each. Even though I'm not married, I cook for myself."

"Unfortunately, last year, my farm experienced excessive waterlogging caused by heavy rains, resulting in a failed maize harvest. This setback left my family facing food shortages. To ensure a reliable means of providing for my family, I am strategizing to broaden my current business ventures. I intend to diversify by incorporating the sale of additional food commodities such as maize flour and sugar. This expansion not only promises to attract a wider customer base but also aims to increase my income, thus enabling me to better support my family. The stability afforded by the financial assistance from the organization is deeply appreciated, as it has played a pivotal role in securing my family's financial well-being."