"Farming has been my source of income for the past 10 years, and I am now focused on expanding my farming activities. My plan is to increase the area under cultivation from two acres to three acres in order to diversify my crops and better manage risks. The challenges I have faced, particularly floods and droughts, have taught me the importance of planning ahead. Therefore, I intend to focus on short-season crops such as butternuts, beans, and vegetables, as they are more resilient and require less time to harvest. By planting these crops on time, I can reduce the risks associated with unpredictable weather patterns. I plan to use part of the proceeds from my current maize harvest to fund this expansion, which will ultimately help me achieve financial stability and ensure a more reliable source of income for my family."

"After the floods destroyed my house, I was left with nothing. My previous home was a grass-thatched hut with muddy walls, and losing it meant my family had nowhere to stay. We had to live in a temporary structure made of tents while we figured out how to rebuild. I used $300 from my second transfer to purchase materials to start constructing a new house. Although it is not yet complete due to a shortage of materials, we have already moved in and plan to finish the construction when we have the necessary resources. Additionally, my wife has a reproductive condition that requires medication whenever she is pregnant. Understanding the importance of her health, I spent $50 on her medication to ensure she could manage her condition properly. At the same time, we did not have a proper bed, so I spent $40 on one, replacing the unstable and uncomfortable temporary bed we had been using. The situation was difficult, especially after losing one acre of maize, which had been a vital part of our food supply. To help us get back on our feet, I rented half an acre of land for $50, where I plan to plant beans. This will help us regain some food security and meet other needs. The remaining $10 went toward buying essential food items, like sugar, which helped us for a short time, but the struggle continues as we work to fully recover from the loss."

"Receiving my second transfer from GiveDirectly, I knew exactly where to start. Our main house had been destroyed by the floods, and for months, my family and I were crammed into our small grass-thatched house, the only structure that survived. It was especially hard on the older children, who had to sleep at our neighbor's house because we did not have enough space. I used $388 from the transfer to construct a new one-room house with an iron sheet roof and walls, giving us the space and comfort we desperately needed. Now, our children can sleep in the old house, and we finally have room. Food had also been a major challenge for us. I lost my maize crop on an acre of land to the floods, and since then, finding food has been a constant struggle. I tried casual jobs and charcoal production to provide for us, but neither was reliable or sustainable. So, I spent $47 on food to feed my family, which was a huge relief, as we didn’t have to worry about our next meal for a while. The remaining $15 went toward transport to town and bringing the items back home."

"I am a farmer, and I initially planned to use my second transfer to plant green grams on my half a acre of land. Unfortunately, after clearing the land, my plans had to change when my daughter fell seriously ill and was diagnosed with heart and kidney problems. This shifted my priorities, and I had to focus on her medication and treatment instead of the farm. However, I am not giving up on my farming ambitions. I am now planning to use part of my final transfer to plant something on the land, though I am still unsure which crop, since the season for green grams has passed. If I manage to plant successfully, I will dedicate the profits to further farming activities while continuing to prioritize my daughter’s medical needs."

"What I like most about GiveDirectly is that it is an inclusive organization. Everyone in the community was enrolled, which helped eradicate complaints about exclusion. During the enrollment process, we were educated on wise spending, which was very helpful in guiding our decisions. We were also given time as families to nominate who would receive the money, ensuring that we reached a consensus and avoided household conflicts. Overall, GiveDirectly's approach throughout the process was effective, and everything was carried out smoothly. I do not see any areas for improvement and would recommend that they continue with the same approach."

"As a crop farmer involved in both commercial and subsistence farming, the second transfer I received from GiveDirectly came at a crucial time. My tomatoes, which I had planted on half an acre, were doing well, but they needed herbicides and pesticides. I spent $100 on that to protect the crops from pests and diseases. Additionally, I had to support the tomatoes off the ground, so I invested $100 to purchase about 10,000 stakes. Without giving up on farming, I also needed to prepare for the next planting season. I spent $50 to prepare my one-acre land, with plans to sell the tomatoes and use the proceeds to plant maize on the prepared land. Food was another pressing challenge since I had lost most of my crops to floods earlier this year, which had been our main source of income. To sustain my family, I had been doing riding motorbike, but the income was inconsistent. Therefore, I used part of the transfer to buy a bag of maize for $40 and 45 kg of beans for $25 to ensure we had enough food for a while. We also lacked proper seating arrangements at home and had been improvising with wooden planks. With $50, I bought a three-seater sofa set and spent another $35 on five plastic chairs, which now provide enough seating for our family and visitors. We no longer have to borrow chairs from neighbors. Lastly, my wife and I didn’t have decent clothes, so we used $50 from the transfer to buy new clothes, which now make us feel more presentable. Thanks to GiveDirectly."

"GiveDirectly does an excellent job supporting the poor, and one of their key strengths is the peaceful manner in which they enter communities. By fostering harmony, they ensure that no issues arise from the support they provide, creating a sense of trust among recipients. Their operations are well-organized and consistent across all villages, making the process smooth and reliable for everyone involved. Additionally, their education on wise spending has been instrumental in helping recipients manage the money responsibly, avoiding illegal activities or misuse. I see no areas for improvement at the moment; GiveDirectly should continue with the same approach, as it has been highly effective."

"Upon receiving my second cash transfer, I decided to fulfill my long-term dream of diversifying my income by opening a kiosk. I saw potential in our village, as there were only two distant shops serving the area. With this opportunity in mind, I spent $330 on materials like iron sheets, nails, and poles to construct the shop. To stock the shop, I used $100 to buy essential items for our target customers, and the remaining $20 went toward transporting the goods from town to our shop. My wife is managing the business while I continue focusing on our crops. This investment is a step toward creating a stable source of income for our family, making it easier to meet our needs in the long run. Thank you, GiveDirectly, for making this happen."

"The deteriorating health of my last born daughter has given me sleepless nights since the month of August 2024.My daughter a mother of three who separated with her husband 5 years ago was diagnosed with kidney failure early this year.Currently she is hospitalized at Marigat District Hospital. Eliza has been sole provider to me for the past 9 years,since I broke my pelvic bone.Its currently difficult for me to take care of myself as well as her 3 children because I do not have any source of income.My only hope lies on the support from my relatives and the community who also have their own struggles.I am currently living in fear and dispair of what will become of my three grandchildren , I have no strength to work so as to earn money to provide for them or to pay their mother's outstanding bill of KES 25000."

"Inadequate cash to raise a family of 3 is the biggest challenge I am currently facing. I am a single mother vending food in the village earning approximately KES 150 a day as profit. I have three school-going children who are in primary and at different levels of their studies. Raising them single-handedly with the cash I earn from vending food is extremely tough keeping in mind the overwhelming economic time. I am now optimistic knowing that I will soon benefit from GiveDirectly's transfer and our lives will change. I cannot thank God enough for His mercies."