"Prolonged droughts and lack of rain in the past 3 years have created a huge crisis for us. Currently, we are facing hunger due to a lack of food. This has greatly affected me since sometimes food is not enough for my family. It saddens me that we grow maize and end up harvesting nothing because of the drought."

"Currently, I feel my life has become very hard and difficult because of the high cost of living in our nation. At the moment my husband and I depend on casual work which is rare which also makes it difficult for us to meet our basic needs."

"The main challenge we are facing is the lack of money and the increased cost of living. We have been forced to eat food without salt and drink tea without sugar because of the difficulty of affording such commodities. This makes life very difficult and unpleasant, especially for my grandchild and children."

"My aim has been to leave a Mark in my life through this Givedirectly transfers. I purchased a water tank, a bed, goats and chicken which will serve as a reminder of the change that being a recipient of this cash transfers had on my life. I am planning to buy my child a mattress since she is currently sleeping with me so she can have a place of her own to sleep. I also would like to strengthen the foundation of our house by adding a stone layer as the house is a mud house to ensure it does not crumble and fall for any reason."

"I mentioned earlier I am now part of a savings groups to which I save $20 monthly. I provide motorcycle rides to earn a living, my wife has no current source of income. I felt that it would be a good Idea for me to save up and start a small general retail shop for my wife to ensure that she also is able to make some money monthly which in turn ensures that our family will not experience lack especially in cases where I am unable to make much."

"It warms my heart to say that our family is now living in a state of happiness, all thanks to the invaluable support we received from GiveDirectly. The positive impact on our lives has been nothing short of remarkable. We now have a comfortable and secure home, which has significantly improved our living conditions and overall well-being. Furthermore, the assistance from GiveDirectly has empowered us to diversify our sources of income. Like many families in our village, we have ventured into livestock rearing and farming. These activities have not only provided us with additional income but have also brought our community closer together. We share knowledge and experiences and support each other, creating a stronger and more resilient community. The ripple effect of GiveDirectly's support is evident not only in our family but also in our entire village. We are all witnessing positive changes in our lives, and this has fostered a sense of hope and unity among us. We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to lead happier, more secure lives, and we look forward to a brighter future filled with endless possibilities."

"I made several significant decisions with the transfers I received from GiveDirectly. First, I knew I needed to improve our living conditions, so I spent $60 on a comfortable mattress and $80 on a sturdy bed. Sleeping on the floor had become uncomfortable, and these purchases brought much-needed relief. Additionally, I decided to invest in my own future and financial independence. I spent $140 on a tailoring machine, considering it a long-term income-generating asset. I already had the skills, and I was eager to start my own tailoring business instead of working for someone else. To get my business up and running, I allocated $90 for materials and supplies. Recognizing the need for better mobility and a source of income for my husband, I decided to purchase a motorcycle. We opted for an installment plan, and I paid a deposit of $130. My husband is licensed to ride it, and we saw it as a means to support each other financially. Education is a priority for us, so I used $30 to pay school fees for my three children who are in primary school. Finally, I set aside $50 for food, ensuring that we had enough to eat while I pursued my goals of financial independence and improved living conditions. These decisions have had a significant impact on our quality of life, and I am grateful for the opportunity to make them with the help of GiveDirectly's transfers."

"I'm delighted to share how my life took a remarkable turn after receiving support from GiveDirectly. Before, it was a struggle to put food on the table, and my body showed the scars of hunger and starvation. But now, things have changed. I'm no longer that skinny, frail person; I've gained some much-needed weight and vitality. My living conditions have improved too. I used to live in a cramped, tiny house, but now I have a spacious home where my family can breathe freely. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I have not only regained my health but also my hope for a brighter future."

"I used to live in my brother's house, and it wasn't easy. I didn't have much freedom or privacy, and I wanted a place of my own. When I received the cash transfer from GiveDirectly, I knew exactly what I wanted to do with it. I decided to build my own house. With $280, I managed to construct a simple but cozy home, including all the labor charges and building materials. It was hard work, but the feeling of independence and having a place I could truly call my own was worth every bit of effort. In addition to building my house, I also spent $20 of the cash transfer to buy some farm tools like pangas and jembes. These tools have been a game-changer for me in terms of farming. With my own house and these tools, I now have the freedom to work on my land, grow my crops, and secure my future. The best part is that I still have some money left from the cash transfer that I've saved for future needs. I can't express how happy I am to have my own house, newfound freedom, and the tools to make a better life for myself. Thanks to GiveDirectly, my life has taken a turn for the better, and I'm excited for what the future holds."

"The officers responsible for the census and registration process carried out their duties with remarkable efficiency. They adeptly introduced us to the program and provided us with thorough information. We received valuable guidance on how to safeguard our funds and recognize potential fraudsters. So far I did not see things that were not done well."