"The roofing of my residence is in dire need of repair. The aging, rusty, and perforated iron sheets allow rainwater to seep in during downpours. Upon joining the cash program, I made the decision to acquire 33 new iron sheets through a hire purchase arrangement. These new iron sheets will facilitate the comprehensive refurbishment of the entire roof, replacing the old, deteriorated ones. To cover the cost, I commit to paying $28 in monthly installments for the iron sheets, with a total of $112 already remitted. Utilizing the remaining $18, I settled the school fees for my son, who is in class six at Ikanga Primary School. Despite earning a modest income from a charcoal vending business, I am optimistic that soon, I will have a comfortable home with improved living conditions. The invaluable financial support from the transfers has been instrumental in realizing this progress, for which I am deeply grateful."

"Receiving $450 from GiveDirectly marked a turning point in my life. With this significant amount, I allocated the funds to address various pressing needs. First, I spent $117.5 on food. Securing food has always been a challenge, as we rely on casual jobs and small-scale farming. We depend on rainfed agriculture since accessing water for irrigation is difficult due to the distance from a water source. We focus on short-season crops, as these are the only ones we can grow with certainty, provided we time them right. Living on the border has its own set of challenges. Our neighboring community once stole seven cows and thirty goats, a significant blow to our livelihood. My husband and I work together in farming to support our family of 11. We have nine children, three of whom have completed higher studies, while the rest are still in school. The payment of school fees has always felt like an unattainable dream. However, with the funds from GiveDirectly, I allocated $232.5 for this purpose. The relief and gratitude I felt are indescribable. I thank God for this incredible assistance. With the festive season, I also wanted to bring some joy to my family. Therefore, I spent $100 on clothes for the Christmas holiday. I extend my heartfelt thanks to GiveDirectly. Their support provided immediate and instilled a sense of hope and stability in our lives, for which we are grateful."

"I plan to invest in fruit cultivation, specifically pawpaws and mangoes. These fruits thrive remarkably well in our region and have the added advantage of requiring minimal water during their growth stages. Mangoes reach maturity in about three years, offering a long-term yield, while pawpaws are remarkably fast-growing, maturing in just three months. What makes it more appealing is the ready market for these fruits. Buyers often come directly to the farm to purchase them, simplifying the selling process. This aspect of the business will significantly enhance our farm's sustainability by diversifying our sources of income. By not relying solely on livestock and the often unpredictable returns from crop production, we can alleviate the financial stress of such uncertainties. It is crucial for our family, especially when considering the school fees for our children. This diversification ensures that we have a more balanced and resilient financial foundation. It offers us the security of knowing that even if one aspect of our farming practice faces challenges, we have other income streams to rely on."

"Recently, I received $450 from GiveDirectly, and I decided to use $300 of it to build a new house. Previously, I lived in a makeshift dwelling, and this investment significantly improved my living conditions. Another $100 was allocated to tapping water. Before, I used to travel 4 kilometers to fetch water, but now having it at home is a great convenience. The availability of water will serve two purposes. Firstly, it will be used for my livestock, ensuring their well-being. Secondly, I plan to utilize the water to irrigate fruits such as avocado and bananas, which thrive in our region. This not only enhances our home use but also opens up opportunities for commercial purposes. The investment in housing and water infrastructure is a significant step towards a more comfortable and sustainable lifestyle for me and my family."

"My wife and I depend on farming for our livelihood, and we have one child. Upon learning that we would be receiving funds from GiveDirectly, we anticipated a significant transformation in our lives. We carefully planned how to make the most of the money. We decided to spend $46 towards fencing our land to protect it from goat invasions, which had been damaging our crops. Subsequently, we invested $50 in purchasing fertilizers to enhance the yields on our farm. An additional $20 was spent on fuel for the generator used to pump water on the farm. To ensure food security, especially during drought seasons, I used $50 to buy a sack of maize. The remaining amount was utilized for clothing and transportation. Due to prolonged drought affecting our farms, we had struggled to obtain sufficient yields to meet all our needs, and fencing the land had been a challenge. I am deeply grateful for the support that has elevated our lives to a higher level."

"On my farm, surrounded by the tranquility of planting maize and vegetables, I received a message from GiveDirectly. The news filled me with joy, and I offered heartfelt prayers for their generosity. In that moment, my mind raced to the pressing issue of water scarcity that plagued my family. Currently relying on borrowed water from neighbors, the urgent need to connect water pipes became the first thought that crossed my mind. Unfortunately, my health poses a challenge; a swollen leg with vein problems leaves me unable to collect water for myself. The support from GiveDirectly holds the promise of a brighter future, easing the burden of this daily struggle."

"Once I receive my last transfer, I will prioritize fencing of my compound. Lately, I have had a lot of intereference from goats whom we share the same compound and I feel that I should seclude them in their compound. I also look forward to purchasing a water tank and have access to clean drinking water. All these would only be possible where there is money. If I get enough or extra money I will be able to renovate my house by erecting a new roof. The current roof is leaking."

"In the upcoming year, with the assistance of GiveDirectly transfers, my goal is to install water harvesting gutters around the roof and construct a dedicated place for the water tank. This accomplishment holds significant meaning for me as it ensures a sustainable and convenient water source at home. The added happiness and satisfaction stem from the improvement in water accessibility, making daily life more manageable and enjoyable."

"Having a tap in my own compound is a game-changer – no more exhausting trips to fetch water from far away. It's a relief! Seeing my children so happy is another huge difference. Now, I'm thinking of starting a business right here at home, serving clients even late at night. And the best part? I now have my own solar setup, bringing light to my home. Thanks to GiveDirectly, these changes make each day a lot brighter for me and my family."

"In my perspective, GD has truly excelled by providing us with unconditional cash transfers. This generous support has granted us the flexibility to address our diverse needs. I am particularly grateful that, with the assistance of the transfer, I have acquired a water tank, alleviating the constant worry about this vital resource. Thank you, GD, for making a significant impact and offering us the means to improve our lives."