"In order to maintain a productive farming operation that generates a significant income, we rely on the seasonal rivers nearby for water. However, the demand for water from other farmers can sometimes lead to the rivers drying up, resulting in significant losses for our tomato crops. To support our farming activities, I plan to grow my cosmetic business in the coming years, since its profitability is not solely reliant on weather conditions. During planting season, I hire a shop attendant to manage the store, ensuring that customers have access to the cosmetic products even when I am occupied with farming duties."

"I aspired to build a shop on the roadside adjacent to my property after completing the initial transfer. The area seemed like an advantageous location for any business, and I am content to have begun the project using the first two transfers, although I am undecided on what goods to stock. I have already purchased metal poles, roofing frames, iron sheets, doors, and windows, but I still require some blocks for the foundation before plastering the floor. I reside near a lake that is often visited by tourists who buy various products, from agricultural produce to retail goods. As a farmer, I plan to sell butternuts and watermelon initially, then add retail and packaged foods to cater to the local community and visitors. Although the second transfer was inadequate to complete the construction, I believe that the third transfer will be enough to acquire cement and pay for the workforce that will finish the floors. GiveDirectly made my dream come true, and I am optimistic that the shop will lead to other income-generating ventures. My husband and I also own active farms that have been our primary source of income, alongside the shop we are currently pursuing."

"Apart from improving my family’s well-being by providing food and supporting the education of my six children, I wish to revamp the roofing of my house. Over the period, the tin roof has corroded and developed perforations, which let it water when it rains, thus dampening the space. I have acquired up to 16 iron sheets through the previous cash transfers, the aim is to secure at least 25 pieces. Once I complete the renovation exercise, I wish to go back to buying goats and cows to expand my existing herd of five goats and three cows. I believe that this will build me enough wealth to provide for my family in the future. "

"Am focussed on building a new house within the next year. My current house is in a poor condition, as the rusted and loose iron sheets allow water to enter the space whenever it rains. This exposes my family to cold infections sometimes and it gets me worried. My plan is to secure building materials like iron sheets and building poles, then hire someone to construct a two-room house. As I work on the construction project, I also wish to continue supporting the education of my five children, who are still in elementary school. I believe that education is the surest way to brace their future so that they may not end up in hardships like I did. "

"Recently we received a heavy downpour after a failed 3 seasons of rainfall. It has given us a new lease of life, new vegetation has sprouted up and our livestock can now feed well. We have also planted sorghum and millet and we are certain that the future will be better for us in terms of being food secure. Also, we had been forced to travel long distances to look for water since we could not afford to buy from the water vendors but since it rained we are able to get it from the nearby source and this has ease the difficult situation."

"Food insecurity is the major challenge that I am grappling with at the moment. We had been experiencing a prolonged period of drought due to 3 failed rainy seasons. The effects have been disastrous and have resulted in lack of enough food. The livestock has suffered a great deal because of insufficient water and pasture. I am a person of little means who depends on casual work to be able to afford a meal. Sometimes the jobs are intermittent and hard to come by and so sometimes I go to bed hungry, when I am lucky to get one it is hardly enough to buy the foodstuffs since the cost of living has risen."

"Although dairy farming comes with its share of challenges, such as lack of water and pasture, I am glad to have pulled through to support my family of three. I often sell 3 litres of milk daily to the milk vendors for $1.2, which I earn weekly. I opted for dairy farming because crop farming is unsustainable as a result of harsh climatic conditions. I am happy to have fed my family as well as provided for their clothing and shelter. However, the profits generated thus far are not sufficient to cater to other extensive needs, such as house construction and school fees for my two children. I am therefore grateful to GiveDirectly for making this a success. From the transfers, I was able to admit my daughter to grade 9 by paying $90 in school fees and purchasing school necessities such as uniforms, books, and personal belongings. I also spent $80 cementing my two-room house, which had become dusty, to reduce respiratory diseases. For the rest of the transfers, I stocked enough food to last the household until the next harvest season in six months. I am excited that my family is food secure as well as comfortable."

"We solely rely on onion farming which is under irrigation to earn a living. It is very costly to pump water using a generator since the location of the farm from the river is 200 meters. Sometimes when we lack money to purchase fuel, the production from the harvest is affected hence we incur losses. Lack of enough money to sustain the cost of farming is a challenge."

"Five years ago, my grandson's father passed away, and his mother left him with me to pursue a new relationship. Since then, I have been taking care of him as my own. Upon receiving the first transfer, I felt a strong need to secure my grandson's education by paying his school fees, which amounted to $80. I wanted him to have ample time to learn and thrive, and seeing his joy at the news was a heartwarming experience. Additionally, I spent $2 on a simple chair and $7 on three pairs of my second-hand dresses. I also bought two water cans for $3 and spent $60 on foodstuff that has been sustaining us ever since. As I eagerly await the second transfer, I plan to buy more food to ensure our continued well-being. i saved the remaining $30 for future purchases of household goods. I am immensely grateful to GiveDirectly for the support that has made a significant difference in my life and that of my grandson."

"The transfer I received has had a tremendous positive impact on my life, and I am incredibly grateful. One of the most significant changes is that I was able to purchase a water tank, which allows me to store clean water for daily consumption. This is a vast improvement from the past when we had to purchase water every day. Additionally, I was able to purchase enough food to meet our needs. Knowing that neither myself nor my family will go hungry brings me immense happiness, and I am deeply thankful for this assistance."