"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."

"My biggest challenge has been a farming problem. The drought has been persistent for the past three years, which led to consistent farm losses. We loan from seed companies and eventually our crops dry leading to low productivity. It leaves us with loan burden. The seed companies continue adding interest when you delay in payment. I currently owe some about $300. This has been my biggest challenge especially with the drought. I am although hopeful for the future since it has started raining recently."

"GiveDirectly did well in fulfilling their commitment, delivering the entire promised amount without any discrepancies. I find no aspects that require correction or improvement in their actions."

"As the primary provider for my family, consisting of my wife and six children, my livelihood revolves around buying and selling charcoal. However, the costs of transporting charcoal from the village to the nearest town center, Mariakani, have been increasing due to rising fuel prices, consequently impacting my profits. Looking ahead, my goal for the coming year and beyond is to transition to selling my produce directly from home. To achieve this, I plan to establish a wide customer base that will travel from town to my home for the purchases. However, substantial initial capital is required for this venture. I am optimistic that the continued support from cash transfers will play a vital role in making this transition a reality."

"Looking ahead, my primary objective is to construct a new house for my family. The deteriorating condition of my current house, exacerbated by heavy rains, forced me to move in with relatives recently. The leaking grass-thatched roof made the space swampy and cold, rendering it unsuitable for habitation. Over the past year, I've been saving some of the cash transfers through a self-help group. When the group dissolves next year, I plan to utilize the savings to purchase building materials such as iron sheets and building poles, initiating the construction of a new two-room house for my family."

"Reflecting on the progress made, I'm pleased that the previous cash transfers have enabled me to acquire six goats, with two of them already giving birth to offspring. Looking ahead, my goal remains centered on building a sustainable source of wealth. As the cash transfers will one day end, I aspire to further diversify my livestock holdings by owning cattle, recognizing their potential for generating more income compared to goats."

"My objective is to kickstart a poultry project and expand by adding goats to our endeavors. I plan to actualize this dream by utilizing my third transfer strategically. This initiative not only aligns with my goal of diversifying our sources of income but also contributes to the sustainable development of our household. By incorporating both poultry and goat rearing, I aim to create a more resilient and thriving economic foundation for my family. This thoughtful approach ensures that the utilization of the third transfer is not only impactful in the short term but also paves the way for long-term financial stability."

"The organization fulfilled their promise by disbursing our transfers as initially stated, providing us with ample food supplies during a challenging period. I can identify aspects that were previously not handled well, but now everything runs seamlessly. This transformation has significantly improved our circumstances, and I appreciate the organization's commitment to delivering on their commitments."

"Upon receiving our transfer, my husband and I made a deliberate decision to invest the funds in purchasing a dairy cow. This strategic move serves dual purposes - ensuring a daily supply of milk for our consumption and providing an opportunity to sell surplus milk, thereby enhancing our income. A sum of $200 was spent for this purpose. Additionally, as a hairdresser engaged in charcoal vending as a side hustle, I recognize the importance of boosting my business. Consequently, I dedicated $39 to enhance my hairdressing and charcoal vending enterprises. Recognizing the significance of food security, $88 was utilized to procure essential foodstuffs for our family. The positive impact on our living standards within a short period brings immense happiness, marking a stark contrast to the financial constraints we faced in the past. The transformative effect of this support has created newfound opportunities for us that were previously unattainable."

"For several years, I've struggled with unemployment, relying solely on my husband, a plumber earning a meager $80 per month at Matanomane, to support our large family of nine children—five of my own and four from my husband's previous marriage. The financial strain was overwhelming until GiveDirectly provided a glimmer of hope through cash transfers. With the second transfer of $250, I seized the opportunity to purchase a 1.5-acre plot in Matanomane, alleviating the stress of not having land as our family grew. Empowered by this acquisition, I plan to establish a café on part of the land to generate additional income. Furthermore, $100 was spent to settle the school fees of my eight children, six attending a public elementary school and two in a community school. This relieved them from constant disruptions caused by outstanding fees, enabling them to complete the academic year without any educational debt. The impact reached beyond education; I invested $80 in a 90kg sack of maize, ensuring my children no longer go hungry. Additionally, I purchased two goats at $40 each, hopeful that they will multiply and contribute to our future stability. Thanks to GiveDirectly, our lives have taken a positive turn, offering newfound security and opportunities for our growing family."