"A year ago, I bought an acre of land in a nearby location for $1,500, though I managed to pay only half the amount. My current location is prone to floods, and this year, despite my maize being destroyed by the floods, I was fortunate to harvest 300 kg, which I expect will bring in about $200 to $300. When I received my second transfer, my maize was ready for harvest, so I spent $70 on harvesting it. I had initially planned to use some of the money to reduce the balance on the land, but the owner insisted on full payment. As a result, I now plan to use the income from the maize along with my final transfer to clear the arrears. Additionally, I used $300 from the transfer to construct a pit latrine and a birth room on the new land, as sanitation is essential since I plan to relocate there. I also spent $30 on labor for the construction and used $15 to cover transportation costs for the construction materials from town. Lastly, I spent the remaining $35 on food items like legumes to balance our diet, as we only had maize, and my children, being young, need proper nutrition. Thank you, GiveDirectly."

"I plan to focus on crop farming because I have an acre of land near the river, which makes irrigation convenient. Although I lost my maize to floods this year, I have seen the benefits from past harvests and believe this is the best way to meet our needs. To avoid future losses, I will plant during the dry season when there is no risk of floods, and I will rely on irrigation as I will get irrigation equipment from my son. I also plan to practice crop rotation to diversify my crops and maintain soil fertility. To cover production costs, I intend to sell some of my goats. I will start by planting maize, a staple crop that has always done well when conditions are favorable. With my husband focusing on his second wife, I feel it is up to me to ensure my children’s well-being, and through successful crop farming, I will be able to address their needs, especially food."

"I used to own ten goats, which were a crucial part of our household because we have never had to buy milk, and whenever emergencies arose, I could sell one. Unfortunately, a disease outbreak claimed four of my goats, leaving me with just six. At least I was able to call a veterinary in time and save the remaining six, which was a relief. Now, my plan is to add five more goats to rebuild my herd. I intend to use my final cash transfer to purchase the new goats and manage them properly, as I am confident that this investment will greatly benefit my family by providing milk and a reliable source of income in the future."

"GiveDirectly excels in promoting fairness and equality, as everyone receives the same amount, which helps prevent issues within the community. This approach minimizes the risk of theft and corruption, as funds are sent directly to recipients' phones. Additionally, the unconditional nature of the transfers allows individuals to plan according to their own needs and priorities. Personally, I have not identified any areas for improvement; my only wish is for GiveDirectly to maintain their current practices. Overall, I want to express my gratitude, as the support has improved my home and the lives of many others in the community."

"I plan to invest more in livestock farming because it’s something I genuinely love and find fulfilling. Currently, I have five goats and ten sheep, which have already made a significant impact on my life by providing milk and contributing to my household needs, such as school fees and food. I have never had to buy milk since we get it directly from our goats, which is not only cost-effective but also ensures that my family enjoys fresh, nutritious milk. My ambition is to gradually expand my herd to over 100 animals, including more goats and sheep, as well as introducing cows into my farm. To achieve this goal, I intend to reinvest the proceeds from my crop farming and surplus income from my business, ensuring that I can grow my livestock operation sustainably without financial strain. With this careful planning, I am confident that I will be able to meet all my family's needs without struggle."

"Unlike many other NGOs, GiveDirectly offers their support to everyone in the targeted location. This inclusive approach promotes community development as we witness tangible improvements in our village. Furthermore, the education on wise spending that accompanies the cash transfers has empowered us to utilize the funds effectively, ensuring that we invest in our families and futures without misusing the money. The organization's approach is commendable, as it also allows us to make decisions that best suit our needs. Overall, I believe that GiveDirectly should continue its successful model and expand its reach to support even more people, as the positive impact on our lives is evident. I have not identified any area for improvement."

"Living in a grass-thatched, muddy house was tough for my family of four. During the rainy season, it often felt like it was raining inside our home, making everything damp and uncomfortable. Smearing the walls with mud was a constant chore that added to our struggles, and the small space was simply not enough for all of us. Cooking was another challenge, as I had to prepare meals outside, and during heavy rains, we would sometimes skip meals altogether. When I received my second cash transfer, I made the important decision to construct a new one-room house with iron sheet roofing and walls, spending a total of $430 on all the costs. Now that our new house is complete, we are using the old one as our kitchen, which means we no longer have to cook outside. This change has greatly improved our daily lives, allowing us to live comfortably and with dignity. The remaining $20 was spent on food, particularly maize and some other essentials like sugar, as we didn’t have enough at the time. We are grateful to GiveDirectly for providing us with the support we needed to create a better living situation for our family."

"My goal in the coming year is to complete the house. I need to buy more iron sheets, right now, I have ten that I was able to purchase with funds from the transfers. I will also need more building poles to finish the roof. To reach this goal, I plan to set aside part of each transfer, along with some of my husband’s support, to buy the materials we need. The financial assistance we receive is a huge help in making this long-term goal possible, and I am very thankful for it."

"In the coming year and beyond, my primary goal is to use the funds to support my mother’s recovery. I plan to set aside part of each transfer to buy her medications and cover her monthly hospital visits. My hope is that, with this support, she will be able to regain her health. I am so thankful for the help that is allowing me to provide for her and contribute to her healing journey."

"In the coming year, my goal is to buy more iron sheets and other materials like building poles so I can begin construction on my one-room house. This would provide both my relative and me with more privacy, allowing each of us to live in our own space. To make this happen, I plan to set aside part of my funds specifically for building materials while using the rest to purchase food to maintain a stable supply. If we receive rain, I hope to plant maize on my farm. With enough food from the farm, I could put all of my resources toward building, making the process faster and smoother. I’m truly thankful for the support I’ve received so far and hopeful it will continue to help me reach this goal."