"As a small business owner, I previously operated a kiosk selling sugar and sardines. However, when I fell ill, the business suffered due to a lack of responsible management in my absence. Upon my return, I found the kiosk on the verge of collapse. While I am still running the kiosk, my focus has now shifted towards a new goal - becoming a livestock farmer. To achieve this, I plan to strategically use my GiveDirectly cash transfers to purchase goats. My strategy is to allow the goats to multiply and increase in number and value over time. Once I have built up a substantial herd, I will then trade the goats for cows. These cows, in turn, will be able to multiply, providing me with a reliable source of milk, offspring, and income when sold. By transitioning towards livestock farming, I am diversifying my income streams and building a more sustainable livelihood. The cows, in particular, will serve as a valuable asset that can be leveraged when needed, offering a safety net for my family"

"My current living situation requires major repairs, which are only a temporary fix. In the long run, my goal is to construct a larger, three-bedroom house for my family. To achieve this, I have devised a strategic plan using my GiveDirectly cash transfers. Rather than directly allocating the transfers towards home construction, I intend to use a portion of the funds to purchase more goats. My hope is that these goats will multiply and increase in number and value over time. In the future, when I have accumulated a substantial herd of goats, I plan to sell them. The proceeds from these sales will then be used to fund the construction of a new, larger home for my family. This approach of investing in livestock as a means to eventually build a new house holds deep personal significance for me. It represents a pathway towards a more stable and comfortable living situation for my loved ones. I am hopeful that this plan will come to fruition, as it would mean so much to provide my family with a spacious, well constructed home."

"My initial priority was to complete the construction of a safe and comfortable home for my family. I am overjoyed that my house is now fully built. This provides my loved ones and me with a warm, secure place to reside. Having a stable living situation is a crucial foundation for my family's well-being. Now that this crucial task has been accomplished, I am shifting my focus to a new goal - acquiring a cow. As a first step, I intend to use a portion of my GiveDirectly cash transfers to buy goats. I am hopeful that these goats will multiply and increase in value over time. Once I have accumulated a sufficient number of goats, I will then trade them to acquire a cow. Owning a cow is a significant milestone, as it will provide milk, potential offspring, and the ability to sell the animal when needed. Obtaining a cow holds deep personal meaning for me. It represents a transition towards a more self-reliant and resilient future for my family. I am excited to embark on this new phase of building my livestock farming aspirations."

"My primary goal is to have cows that I can use to plow my farmland. To achieve this, I plan to strategically allocate my GiveDirectly cash transfers towards acquiring livestock. I will use a portion of the transfers to buy goats. My strategy is to allow these goats to multiply and increase in both number and value over time. Once I have accumulated a substantial herd of goats, I will then trade them for cows. This gradual approach will allow me to work towards my ultimate objective of owning animals to assist with plowing my farm. By investing in livestock, I am taking a proactive step towards establishing a more sustainable and resilient farming operation. The cows will not only help with plowing but can also be sold when needed to support my family."

"I have always dreamt of becoming a livestock farmer. To turn this ambition into reality, I have been using a portion of my GiveDirectly cash transfers to purchase goats and a guinea fowl. I am excited to see these animals multiply and increase in value over time. Looking ahead, I plan to allocate a part of my upcoming transfers to acquire more livestock. My hope is that these animals will continue to grow in number and value. In the future, I intend to sell them when in need, providing a valuable safety net for my family. In addition to my livestock farming aspirations, I also own a small kiosk where I sell various goods. I have been saving in a merry-go-round savings group, eagerly awaiting my turn to receive the pooled funds. Once I have access to these savings, I will use them to expand my kiosk business. Even after this initial expansion, I intend to keep saving in the merry-go-round group. This will allow me to further grow my business and increase its revenue. The income generated from my expanded kiosk will help me better provide for my children's needs. I am thrilled with the progress I have made and the direction my business is taking."

"When I received the unconditional cash transfer, my immediate priority was to take care of my bedridden mother. I spent $250 on her medication through private doctors who have to visit her at home since she cannot eat well and requires constant medical attention. Ensuring her comfort and health is my top priority, and this money has been a lifesaver in providing her with the care she desperately needs. Next, I used $150 to pay off some debts that had accumulated when I took my mother to the hospital. These debts were a constant source of stress, and being able to clear them has lifted a significant burden off my shoulders. Additionally, I gave $2 to my brother to help with his son's wedding preparations. Finally, I left the remainder of $130 as an emergency fund for my mother's medication, knowing that her condition requires ongoing expenses. Having this reserve gives me peace of mind, knowing that I can address any immediate medical needs that arise."

"I was at home around 2 pm, just seated after lunch, when I heard a message notification on my phone. Curious, I picked it up and saw it was the GiveDirectly money. My heart raced with excitement, and I thought, finally, I could build my own pit latrine. Immediately, I called my husband, who was away, to share the good news. He was also very happy and promised to come home so that we could plan together how we were going to spend the money."

"When I received the cash transfer, I first bought a charcoal oven for $200. I had been taught how to bake a while back, but I never had the means to get an oven. With the new oven, I started baking cakes and bread. Using $10, I also purchased baking flour and other essential ingredients to kickstart my baking business. This small investment has already begun to bring in extra income, which is a huge relief. Next, I used $250 of the transfer to buy construction materials like iron sheets and roofing nails. Our current house is too small to accommodate my entire family, forcing some members to sleep at the neighbors'. I am eagerly waiting for the mason to come and start the construction of our new house. Lastly, with the remaining money, I bought household food items and detergents. It's a season of food scarcity, and this money could not have come at a better time. The cash transfer has allowed me to secure essentials for my family, ensuring we have enough to eat. This support has been transformative, giving me the means to improve our living conditions and sustain our basic needs."

"My primary challenge right now is not having a secure place to live. My current residence is prone to flooding even with light rainfall, and I am concerned about the upcoming heavy rains exacerbating the situation. I've had to rely on borrowing a place to sleep from neighbors at night because my house remains waterlogged. I am hopeful that I'll be able to secure enough resources to move to a safer living situation soon."

"My primary challenge at the moment is ensuring food security. Despite planting maize on my 3-acre farm, all my crops were lost due to flooding in our village. Unfortunately, the land remains waterlogged, preventing me from replanting maize. Consequently, I am compelled to purchase food from shopping centers, which are difficult to reach due to flooded roads and waterways. I earnestly hope that we do not experience another round of flooding, as the destruction has undone all the progress we had previously made."