"My mother has suffered pressure for so long. This has been a challenge to me and I can not even work far from home because she needs my care. Healthy issues is the challenge that I am currently facing in life."

"I am in the process of embarking on goat rearing, as these animals represent the only assets I can comfortably manage. My primary occupation has traditionally revolved around selling livestock during market days, which has served as my primary means of livelihood. However, due to my advanced age and declining physical strength, I am no longer capable of engaging in strenuous activities. Therefore, the prospect of owning a number of goats is highly advantageous, particularly in times of financial crisis. I am currently the proud owner of four goats, and my goal is to significantly expand this herd. I take comfort in the fact that, as they multiply, they will provide a consistent source of financial support, particularly for necessities such as medication. My overarching objective now is to accumulate these assets that can provide for me in my elderly years, offering a financial cushion whenever the need arises."

"I currently face the challenge of landslide which threatens us all time that may lose our lives and property. We also a problem of poverty which comes as a result of crops and property destruction. We also face a challenge of sickness which takes a lot of money and makes us fail to pay school fees for school going children."

"As the man of the house, receiving the recent unconditional cash transfer was a moment of immense relief for me and my family. The first thing I did was allocate $290 to purchase spare parts for my motorcycle, which had broken down months ago. This motorcycle was my lifeline, as it enabled me to transport charcoal within the town, providing the main source of income for my family. During the period when it was not in a good state, I had to hire from friends, which was not only expensive but also meant I earned meager profits. This had a detrimental impact on my family's well-being. Also, I used $70 of the cash to buy a mattress for my three children. They had been sleeping on mats, enduring discomfort every night. Their peaceful and comfortable sleep became a reality, without the aches and pains they had been experiencing. Later on,I purchased new uniforms and casual clothes for my four children since their old ones had worn out. This not only prevents exposure to skin diseases but also boosts their self-esteem. Furthermore, I paid school fees of $68 for all seven of my kids, ensuring they could continue their education without interruption like before. Finally, I bought sufficient food, as this season's farm harvest was poor due to the limited size of my farm. My wife and I both work hard in the charcoal business to sustain our family, and this cash transfer has significantly improved our family's well-being and prospects for the future."

"The most profound transformation in my life since I began receiving unconditional cash transfers from GiveDirectly is the remarkable growth of my small fish business. Previously, I could only manage to earn a modest $4, but now, with the support of these transfers, my earnings have soared to $15. This substantial increase in income has been a lifeline, especially since my husband's debilitating illness prevented him from working. It has enabled me to provide for my six children without the constant struggle we endured before. I can now easily cover their school fees, paving the way for a brighter future for them and future generations. The days of being a laughing stock due to our financial struggles are behind us, replaced by a newfound sense of dignity and hope for what lies ahead."

"In the coming years and beyond, I am considering transitioning from maize farming to cultivating green gram and peanuts. These crops are known for their resilience to drought, which has been a recurring challenge in our region. Over the past four years, my attempts at maize farming have been marred by losses due to inadequate rainfall, resulting in reduced yields. I believe that shifting to green gram and peanuts will be a more sustainable choice. These crops are better suited to our climate conditions and have the potential to yield a surplus that I can sell to secure both food for our consumption and funds for my children's education. This transition represents a hopeful step towards a more stable and prosperous future for my family."

"In the years to come and beyond, my goal is to lease an acre of land close to the river. This will open up opportunities for practicing irrigation, which is crucial in our area due to recurrent rainfall shortages that impact crop production. My plan is to cultivate maize on this land, with the dual purpose of selling it for profit and ensuring a stable supply for our domestic needs. This step toward irrigation farming will help secure our food supply and potentially generate additional income for my family."

"The lack of a reliable source of income in my household is basically what makes my life tough. At the moment, I have 3 children who are schooling and they depend on me to pay their fees. This has stressed me a lot because my casual activities does not earn me much, usually $2 in a day that I use to buy food. This means their education is affected most because they are mostly sent home. As a parent, I have been feeling the pain of watching them desperately at home. What a life of worries about their future!"

"I was once dealing with second hand clothes, a job that I depended the most. This job came into a halt since June last year because I experienced some challenges like school fees and hunger, that forced me to spend the money planned for the business. Considering that I had borrowed a loan as my capital, it shocked me and I had to spend everything including selling my 3 goats to pay back the money. As I speak, I decided to engage in other small business of selling sweet potatoes within our village and in a day I make $2, an amount which is three times less of what I used to earn. The pressure of balancing how to sustain my family's basic needs due to the financial crisis is what I consider as my biggest challenge."