"As a farmer primarily focused on growing beans, I have felt the impact of climate change as seasons become increasingly unpredictable. To adapt to these changes, I decided to shift my focus from crop farming to livestock farming. I spent $350 on a poultry incubator, which will help me raise chicks and improve my production in the future. Previously, I had reared poultry, but during a drought, all my birds perished, leaving me without a source of income. With this new incubator, I plan to purchase chicks with my next cash transfer, ensuring a more sustainable livelihood.Furthermore, I used the remaining $100 to lease land and plant beans for food security. I chose to grow beans because the upcoming months are likely to be dry, and having a stable food supply is essential for my family. This approach will help me reduce food costs and ensure that my family has enough to eat. With two children to support and a wife who manages the household, it's crucial for me to provide for them through my farming efforts. Although I have tried looking for employment, job opportunities are scarce, so I have opted to focus on farming instead. I am committed to making this shift in my agricultural practices work for my family. I feel hopeful about the future, believing that these investments will lead to a more secure and prosperous life for all of us."

"The struggles of farming can be overwhelming, especially when faced with the challenge of getting water to the crops. Our farm at home was suffering because we had no effective way to pump water from the Perkerra River. Therefore, I decided to invest $320 in a generator, allowing me to channel water directly to my farm. This purchase was crucial for my ability to continue farming without the stress of drought seasons impacting our harvest. Furthermore, I used $70 to open a salon business for my partner, so she could have her own source of income while we support each other at home. With only one child to care for, it's important for us to find ways to help each other thrive. I also work as a farmer and casual laborer to make ends meet, balancing multiple responsibilities to provide for my family. Finally, I spent the remaining $60 on food since we had no capital for farming at the moment. Before this support, we relied heavily on casual jobs like burning charcoal to cover our basic needs. Unfortunately, floods hit and destroyed all my vegetables and green grams at the farm, leaving us feeling hopeless and depressed. Despite these challenges, I remain determined to make the most of the opportunities I've been given and build a better future for my family."

"After the devastating floods destroyed our agricultural farms, my family faced a bleak future filled with uncertainty. Receiving the cash transfer felt like a lifeline, providing us with an opportunity to rebuild our lives and invest in agriculture once more. I decided to use $210 to purchase sheep, aiming to improve our living situation and establish a source of income for the future. The sheep also serve as a constant reminder of the support we received from GiveDirectly. Furthermore, I spent $80 to lease land and $50 to manage my farm, enabling us to grow food and secure our family's basic needs. With this additional capital, I feel more confident in providing for my three children and my wife, seeing this as the best investment I could make for our future. This investment is crucial, as it will indirectly help me cover my children's school fees. With the remaining $110, I bought food to ensure my family has enough to eat. In the past, I relied on casual jobs and burning charcoal to meet our basic needs, but those sources of income were often unreliable. Now, thanks to the support from GiveDirectly, we have a stable supply of food at home.We are incredibly grateful to GiveDirectly because our lives have truly changed for the better. This assistance has given us hope and a chance to work toward a brighter future. I am determined to make the most of this opportunity for my family's sake, ensuring we never have to face such hardship again."

"GiveDirectly did a great job when they came to our village. They held meetings during the barazas and promised us money, which we received without any issues. There were no bribes involved, and they did not take advantage of us, showing no discrimination during the enrollment process. I appreciate how well all their strategies were followed and how transparent the process was. However, I noticed that some people were left out and did not get enrolled, and they were not informed about the reasons why. If possible, I suggest they try to include everyone in the program to ensure that no one is left behind."

"The moment I received the cash transfer, a wave of hope washed over me, knowing this was a chance to change my family's life for the better. I immediately spent $35 on plastic chairs and $10 on a table, creating a proper space for my children to study and for us to share meals together. Having these simple yet essential items made a profound difference in our home, allowing us to gather as a family and bond over our daily lives. I felt a deep sense of pride knowing that I could finally provide a comfortable area for my kids to read, eat, and feel at home. Furthermore, I used $30 to pay for my child's school fees. Before this, I struggled to raise enough money for their education, often resorting to burning charcoal, which was exhausting and filled with uncertainty. Now, I can finally breathe easy, knowing my child can attend school without the fear of being sent home for unpaid fees. Additionally, I spent $20 on cooking pots, as our few utensils made cooking a challenge. With these new pots, preparing meals became more manageable, allowing us to enjoy better food together as a family. Lastly, I allocated $20 for clothes to enhance our appearance, which lifted our spirits and boosted our self-esteem. With the remaining $50, I bought food, a necessity since my husband and I relied on casual jobs to put meals on the table. When work was scarce, we often went to bed hungry, but now we can savor regular meals together as a family. This cash transfer has lifted a heavy burden from my shoulders, and I am truly grateful for the support that has transformed our daily lives into something brighter and more hopeful."

"Receiving the cash transfer felt like a breath of fresh air for me and my family. I used $100 to buy food because we had nothing at home, and my income from casual jobs was only $3 per day, which was not enough to feed my family. With four children to take care of, it was a constant struggle to make ends meet. Additionally, I spent $70 to pay for my kids' school fees. Before this, I had to rely on fundraising and saving small amounts from my earnings to keep them in school, which was very stressful. My husband and I both work as casual laborers, so our income was limited. Furthermore, I used $30 to purchase a mattress because we had none. Sleeping on a wooden bed was uncomfortable, and my back often ached because of it. Now that I have a mattress, I can finally get a good night's sleep. This simple change has made a huge difference in my daily life. Since I received the money, life has improved significantly. I no longer worry about where our next meal will come from or how to pay for my children’s education. The joy of seeing my kids go to school without the fear of being sent home for fees is priceless. I feel so grateful for this support, as it has brought peace and comfort back into our lives."

"When the money came, I felt a huge sense of relief. I used $80 to pay my children’s school fees because they had been sent home so many times due to unpaid fees. I used to run a small grocery business, but when sales dropped, I had to close it. To keep paying for necessities, I joined merry-go-rounds to raise money. It was really tough, especially since my husband is old and unable to help much. I spent $60 on cement to fix our house because the walls were cracking, and I feared it might collapse. The house was in bad shape, and I couldn’t bear the thought of my children living in such a dangerous place. Now, with the repairs done, I feel much more comfortable and secure at home. Lastly, I used $40 to buy food for my family. Since my grocery business had closed, getting enough food had become difficult. But with the transfer, we finally had enough to eat, and I could provide properly for my family. I am truly grateful because this money has lifted a heavy burden off my shoulders and brought peace to our home."

"When I got the money, I immediately knew what my priorities were. My children had been struggling to sleep comfortably because their bed and mattress were infested with bedbugs, making their nights unbearable. So, I used $90 to buy a new bed and mattress. It brought me great joy knowing they would finally sleep in peace. Furthermore, I spent $60 on food because, at home, we had nothing to eat, and buying food and milk from the shops was becoming too expensive. My family depends on me to provide, but my salary is too small to meet all our needs. In addition to the bed and food, I used the remaining amount to buy utensils. We had been displaced by floods, and the water destroyed everything we had in the house, leaving us with very little. It was a big relief to finally have basic things like plates and cooking items again. My wife stays at home to take care of our two children, so providing for the family rests entirely on my shoulders. The money helped me cover the essential needs we had been struggling with for a long time. Life had been very difficult for us, especially after the floods took everything. Being able to buy what we desperately needed felt like a huge burden had been lifted. My children are now sleeping soundly, and we have food in the house again. It may not seem like much, but for us, it has made all the difference."

"In the coming year and beyond, I am determined to focus on investing in goat farming to secure my future. I plan to continue saving $10 monthly at the merry-go-round group that we formed. As I accumulate the money, I will buy goats once my turn of getting the money reaches. The choice of goats over cows is a strategic one; goats are more affordable to acquire and maintain, making them an ideal investment for my current financial situation. My passion for goat farming fuels my drive, and with careful planning and consistent effort, I am confident that I will achieve my goals and create a thriving agricultural venture."

"The biggest challenge I grapple with is the lack of a steady income to support my family’s daily needs. Our survival hinges on casual labor, but when work is hard to come by, which is often, it becomes incredibly difficult to make ends meet. The scarcity of opportunities frequently leaves us with no choice but to go to bed hungry, as this is our primary means of sustenance."