have no capacity to do so, and have had such bad experiences of investing in failed harvests before. ix. General interviewee perceptions of their economic status and prospects Interviewees were asked to rank their economic status compared to that of their neighbours, and interestingly:  30% ranked themselves as being the equivalent of their neighbours  15% ranked themselves as better off  52% ranked themselves as poorer than others  3% didn’t know This seems a fair ranking, as almost half those interviewed ranked others as the same or better off than themselves. What is therefore depressing, but realistic, bearing in mind the findings of this survey, is that:  35% ranked themselves as economically desperate  41% ranked themselves as very poor or poor  21% ranked themselves as average  3% ranked as good The general perception therefore, is that people see themselves as very poor, and in the same boat as their very poor neighbours. Interviewers were asked to record observations and comments made by those they interviewed. Several interviews were recorded against a background of children crying with hunger, and interviewees were often referred to as being obsessed with being hungry. People were considered to be realistically pessimistic about their total lack of prospects for a better life. Comments include: “We will be desperate if nothing changes.” “Things are getting worse every day, and it does not rain here.” “Government needs to improve our lives, or we will all be dead.” “It will be hell if government does not change its attitude and takes our plight seriously. If there is no rain it will be a disaster for me and the kids.” “Failed rains brought us problems and donors seem to have disappeared”. “No food, no work, no money. If only I could get cattle to help me plough.” “The children go to school without eating and are turned away for failing to pay levies. Life is so difficult and drought makes it impossible.” On the slightly more optimistic side, comments included: “If government improves, our lives may.” 32