"GiveDirectly's most impactful contribution has been the provision of unconditional cash transfers. This support enabled us to address pressing needs crucial to our family's well-being. From securing farming capital to ensuring food, sanitation, and our children's education, these funds have been instrumental in diverse ways, for which we are immensely grateful. In our locality, we're fortunate to have access to a nearby irrigation scheme. My opinion, aside from the unconditional cash transfers, I firmly believe that by extending their support to farming through the distribution of diverse seeds tailored to our region, GiveDirectly could significantly elevate Agricultural productivity. This, in turn, could lead to improved livelihoods in the long run."

"Currently, our reliance has been on subsistence farming, which is not consistently productive, and livestock farming to complement our practices, especially during harsh weather conditions. Looking ahead to the coming year, I have a grandchild preparing to transition to secondary school after completing the final primary school examination. With this in mind, my plan is to allocate a portion of the next transfer to cover the initial admission costs. Additionally, I aim to enhance my farming practices, capitalizing on the sufficient rainfall and utilizing irrigation from nearby seasonal streams to facilitate a better harvest. At the moment, I am focused on cultivating half an acre where I intend to plant maize, hoping for a substantial yield. The surplus from this harvest will be sold to cover subsequent school terms, ensuring continued support for my grandchild's education. This comprehensive approach reflects my commitment to both immediate and long-term needs within my family."

"I sell charcoal to get an income, my husband farms for income. I have not had an income for two months, I cannot burn charcoal with the rains. It has been a blessing but the El-nino led to a number of losses including some seedlings we had in a bed to replant. This season will be preceded by another long drought and since we would like to farm to generate income we want to direct our funds next year to digging a well which we will use to do irrigation and ensure that our crops thrive. We will also save for a water pump to help get the water to the house."

"The support from Givedirectly has been transformative for our family. It's brought an incredible sense of peace and renewed hope for our dream of acquiring a generator and irrigation pipes. Before, the sight of our unplanted land was disheartening, but now, thanks to this support, we're on the path to making our project a reality and securing our future.The contrast is stark: from the sadness of watching our land lay barren to the growing possibility we now witness. Givedirectly has ignited this journey toward fulfilling our aspirations and ensuring sustainability. We're immensely grateful for this opportunity, and our gratitude knows no bounds. Thank you, GiveDirectly, for making this significant difference in our lives."

"When I receive the transfer, it will help us in our farming activities. I plan to spend about $200 on planting maize, beans, and green grams. They are very profitable and can support my family in the long term. The funds will help us also do irrigation with ease since it's expensive. Education plays a key role in the future of anyone. We don't want our children to be left out. Therefore, we plan to spend about $200 on their education. That's; fees, books, and uniforms among other school requirements. Cows do well here due to plenty of grass, though not enough for a large stock. I plan to spend about $300 to buy one. A cow will provide us with milk for domestic use. Hence we won't have to buy milk again, cutting our household expenses. The rest of the transfer will be used to build a toilet since we don't have one currently. It's important for proper hygiene and good sanitation. It also reduces the chances of diseases."

"I spent the entire day diligently harvesting butternut on 3/4 of my land, putting in my best effort to complete the task by nightfall. Unfortunately, the dry weather conditions took a toll on the harvest, resulting in a disappointingly lower yield than anticipated. Despite the challenges, I pressed on, sweating profusely as I worked to gather the produce. Amid the haste and physical exertion, I heard the faint peeping of my phone, but with my focus on finishing the harvest, I chose to delay checking it until the evening. Finally settled after ensuring all the butternut was safely transported to a nearby storage facility for future sale, I took a moment to check my phone. To my overwhelming joy, I discovered a message indicating the receipt of funds from GD. This filled me with a renewed sense of gratitude and hope. With the newfound financial support, I eagerly planned to invest in a generator. This purchase will enhance my irrigation activities and symbolise a significant step toward optimizing my farm production."

"Due to lack of capital to invest in agriculture, we have not utilized our land. Irrigation is labour intensive and we don't have the money for it. This had been the biggest hindrance to our development as a family. The lack of funds means we depend on loans or farm on small portions. Access to loans is a challenge due to the strict requirements. Even if one is successful the risk of losses is high and the interest rates are not fair."

"Givedirectly's cash transfer program came at the right moment. I plan to fund my farming activities with the transfer. I will set aside about $400 for farming in the next season. The proceeds will help me clear the loan I owe. I am hopeful to get more profits to save for future farming. Farming has been my main source of income and plan to expand it further by doing irrigation. Due to the bad condition of my house, I plan to build a one roomed iron sheet house. The cost of materials is high but it will cost approximately $500. It will give my family a better place to stay and call home. The mud house is hard to maintain and can be destroyed by termites easily. Cows produce milk for domestic use or sale. I don't have one now, will buy one for milk. It will cut our cost of buying milk. A cow is sold at about $250, when they breed, we can sell their milk or the cows. They fetch good prices, and can support us during hard times."

"I was on my way to the nearest Lorei center, feeling the weight of my financial struggles and the burden of providing for my expectant wife. As I walked, a sudden ping on my phone interrupted my thoughts. When I opened the message, disbelief washed over me as I stared at the receipt of $200 from GiveDirectly. My beans in the Lorei irrigation farm were suffering from a debilitating disease, and my desperate attempts to secure pesticides had been thwarted by my dire financial situation. With no steady job, I relied on irregular casual jobs to sustain my growing family. Without hesitation, I redirected my steps to the Lorei center, where I swiftly withdrew $100, purchased the much-needed pesticides rushed to the farm, and addressed the issues plaguing my crop. Returning home, I couldn't wait to surprise my wife, who had been enduring our challenges with unwavering support. The joy in her eyes mirrored my own, and together, we celebrated the unexpected turn of fortune. The generosity of GiveDirectly not only rescued our failing crops but also injected a renewed sense of hope and optimism into our lives."

"My current house is made of grass and mud. When it rains we're always worried it may fall down. Termites also eat the grass and the wooden structure. I'd like to construct a 2-roomed all round iron-sheet house. The cost of materials is high now, I expect to use about $500. When I have a better house, we'll live without worrying when it rains. It will also give us enough room to sleep. Additionally, due to lack of proper sanitation. We plan to spend some of the transfer to build a toilet. It will reduce our chances of getting diseases and also the stress of asking neighbors to allow us to use theirs. The remaining transfer will help us in farming. We have been doing maize farming each season. Since, we depend on irrigation, it's important to save some amount for labour and watering the farm. Irrigation does well here and we have already set canals."