"Previously, our family of five relied on livestock farming for our livelihood, but the adverse effects of drought have made it unproductive and unreliable. However, the support we received from GiveDirectly has made a significant difference in our lives. With the second transfer, I allocated $35 towards purchasing food supplies, hoping for rainfall that would enable us to resume our farming activities. Recognizing the importance of self-sufficiency in food production and exploring market opportunities, I made a substantial investment in a generator, which cost $270. This generator will play a vital role in pumping water for irrigation on the one-acre piece of land I am currently farming and can also be leased out to other farmers, providing an additional source of income. To facilitate water conveyance, I also acquired four plastic pipes and a 6-meter hose pipe for $104. Additionally, I used $22 to buy farm inputs such as fertilizer and bean seeds. During the planting process, I spent $5 to hire labor, ensuring efficient and timely sowing. The remaining $10 was spent on essential household goods that were previously lacking."

"With the second transfer, I spent $320 to purchase a large plastic water tank with a capacity of 5000 liters from the nearby shopping center. Although we already had a similar-sized tank, the scarcity of water caused by severe drought conditions and the occasional malfunction of the distribution pump necessitated the need for an additional tank. These two tanks now hold enough water for my family of 12 for several weeks before needing a refill. I also took the opportunity to install strong gutters around the roof and positioned the tank strategically to collect rainwater. As I set up the tank, there were additional expenses involved, including a $30 transportation cost, the purchase of materials, and a $29 construction cost for the base, along with an expenditure of $10 for extra gutter holders. I am pleased to say that everything is now in place, and the tank is already filled and ready for use. Additionally, I allocated $20 to support my spouse's retail business in the nearby shopping center of Marigat and used the remaining $41 to purchase other essential household goods that were previously lacking."

"Looking towards the upcoming year and beyond, my primary goal is to acquire a water tank to store clean water for our domestic needs. This endeavor holds the promise of alleviating the arduous daily struggle of spending an entire day searching for water. To fulfill this aspiration, I plan to allocate the funds generously provided by GiveDirectly towards this project. With determination and perseverance, I am confident that I can transform this vision into a tangible reality. In reflection, I express deep gratitude for all that I have achieved thus far on this journey."

"Looking ahead, my future objective is to obtain a water tank that will allow me to store water for an extended period. Despite the presence of various financial responsibilities, I maintain a positive outlook, believing that my third transfer will bring favourable outcomes. I am genuinely grateful and satisfied with the progress we have achieved thus far on our journey."

"As an aged peasant farmer, I solely depended on selling some water at $0.05 per 20-liter bucket which could not sustain my basic needs. I turned on selling water because I have a freshwater tap at my home and I could no longer manage the farming exercise due to age. Currently, I am humbled and happy because, since the time I got the transfer I have managed to start construction which will see me in a safer house unlike before and I have never gone without food. This could not be the case if it were not for GiveDirectly's transfer."

"Lack of water for home consumption and livestock use is a challenge. I fetch water from a nearby borehole at a cost of $1 for six twenty litres containers. I consider it expensive because I must also purchase fuel for my motorbike since it is far. If I had piped water within my compound it could be easier."

"I dropped out of school for lack of school fees and started doing casual jobs to support my siblings. Now that they have completed school, I would like to be financially stable. I plan on using the transfers on investing in livestock keeping since it does well in this area. I am excited because from it I can have a reliable source of income. Furthermore , I will purchase a water storage tank and pipes to ensure availability of water at my homestead hence reducing the costs I incur on transporting water."

"Receiving this money means financial freedom. I desire to do irrigation on my two-acre land. I sold land to purchase a generator for pumping water to the farm but the money was not enough to purchase water pipes. These transfers will enable us to start up vegetable farming and ensure a constant flow of income for my family. I am thankful for the opportunity to make my life better and I am hopeful to take my children to school up until they pursue their careers."

"I have a family of six members and we are living on in our bothers house. The house has one room and it is not enough for the family. I do casual jobs earning approximately $40 per month which caters for food only. My children have been out of school due to school fees balance of $120 . I feel unhappy seeing my children at home and also living a squater life. I have my own piece of land that I inherited from my father worthy 3 acres. I lack the capacity to build a house for the family. I will use $500 to build a two room house on my piece of land which is spacious enough to accommodate the family. I will also use $200 to install tap water . I plan to use $120 to clear the school fees balance so that children can resume classes."

"When GiveDirectly offered me financial assistance, I saw it as the perfect opportunity to transform my life. Despite yearning to own a cow for a long time, the financial burden of providing for food and basic necessities hindered my pursuit. In addition to my work as a cobbler, I took on odd jobs like water fetching for hotels near the Koriema shopping center. Unfortunately, due to my inability to pay for my wife's bride price, she had to return to her parent's home, leaving with my three children. With my initial transfer, I was able to purchase a cow valued at $70, an endeavor that held great promise. Tragically, the cow perished during transport to my home. Nonetheless, I wisely utilized the remaining funds to buy a bag of maize, beans, and other essential food items. I also managed to acquire a bed, providing much-needed comfort for my family. None of these accomplishments would have been possible without the transfer I received, and I am immensely grateful for the life-changing opportunity it brought us."