"Upon receiving $450 from GiveDirectly, my husband and I faced the challenge of sustaining our family of six through sporadic casual jobs. Daily meals were uncertain, and we relied on our small flock of chickens and goats to fill the gaps. We dedicated $80 to securing essential food supplies. This was a priority given the unpredictability of our income. We invested in a sofa set worth $150. Until then, seating for visitors was limited to three plastic chairs, while my husband and I made do with old, broken jerricans. Our children graciously sat on the floor. The addition of comfortable seating transformed our home and brought immense joy.Understanding the importance of clothing, we allocated $100 to provide new clothes for our children, who had long worn worn-out garments. Their gratitude and appreciation for this gesture were heartwarming.Looking ahead, we channeled $60 into our farm—$40 for plowing and $20 for bean seeds, awaiting the much-needed rains to begin planting. This investment aimed to secure a more stable source of sustenance for our family, fostering hope for a better tomorrow. Lastly, we wisely set aside the remaining $60 as a safety net for unforeseen needs. Thank you GiveDirectly for your life-changing support."

"I make a living through farming, while my wife runs a salon. Together, we have two children. Upon receiving our second transfer, my wife and I strategized to enhance the salon business. We invested in blow-dry equipment and other items amounting to $200. This decision aimed to establish a reliable income source, especially during the festive season, given the unpredictability of our income. Additionally, we decided to improve our small house, spending $126 for the upgrade. We also purchased two goats for $75, and the remaining funds were used to buy essential foodstuffs. I am profoundly thankful that our lives experienced a remarkable uplift, and we remain forever indebted to the organization for this positive transformation."

"Since receiving the cash transfers, I've adopted a systematic way of approaching one project at a time. I utilized the previous transfers to build the pit latrine and bought a solar lighting panel. Currently, my goal is to complete the payment for the solar panel, which I acquired on credit. Following this, I plan to invest in furniture, specifically plastic chairs and a table. The existing wooden furniture has aged, leading to deterioration, and plastic furniture would mitigate this risk. Additionally, I aim to support my husband in covering the school fees for our child entering form four. The objective is to alleviate the financial burden on my husband, who has been facing challenges in meeting school fee obligations at times."

"I wish to expand my livestock holdings by the time the cash transfers conclude. Currently, I own a cow and a goat obtained through these savings. The plan is to continue acquiring cows, eventually having two, which can assist in farming activities like plowing, saving on the expenses of hiring plowing services. Additionally, the goats will contribute to building wealth. Even after the transfers end, the livestock will serve as a vital source of income, complementing the revenue generated from my business of selling palm wine. I am excited that the recent harvest has alleviated financial constraints on food, providing an opportune moment to focus on expanding my livestock. "

"My primary goal is to expand my livestock holdings, specifically focusing on goats. As the herd grows, I envision selling them in the future to cover various needs, including medical expenses or household necessities. With the current progress, having already acquired four goats through the cash transfers, I am optimistic about the continued growth of the herd. My commitment is to channel future cash transfers towards achieving this goal. With this, I can slowly become independent from my son, Katana, who is currently my main breadwinner."

"I want to construct a concrete skirting around my house, which is currently constructed with mud walls and tree poles. These walls are showing signs of deterioration, and the skirting will reinforce them, preventing potential collapse. As a herdsman, the little commission I earn from this job cannot fund the exercise which is why I look forward to utilizing the cash transfers. Besides, given that there is sufficient food from the previous harvest, I can allocate all available funds towards purchasing bricks to initiate this essential project."

"In the coming year and beyond, I wish to continue acquiring livestock, particularly goats. Owning these animals ensures financial security even after the cash transfers conclude. This will be a more reliable source of income than the practice of making charcoal that I currently partake in.  As they reproduce and increase in number, I can sell them in the future to cover various needs, such as food. As a widow, having livestock becomes a crucial source of funds, reducing my dependence on my brother-in-law for provisions."

"I would like to use the cash transfers to purchase building poles and iron sheets for constructing a new house. My current structure is in a dilapidated condition, with decaying building poles. Every night, I am concerned about its stability and fear that it can collapse on me. Given my advancing age and inability to engage in strenuous activities for income generation, I plan to focus the cash transfers on building a one-room house that would suffice for my needs. This initiative aims to provide me with a safer and more secure living space."

"I wish to continue supporting my son's education as he is set to complete university in the next nine months. He is required to pay at least $300 every semester, and the cash transfers, coupled with the income from selling livestock and my small pensions post-retirement, have proven instrumental in keeping him in school. Another aspiration is to replace the roof of my house. The current iron sheets have corroded and developed perforations over time, allowing water to leak in when it rains. Replacing the roof would address this issue and I hope to channel the cash transfers towards the exercise."

"My goal is to repair my house by constructing a concrete skirting around its mud walls. The ongoing rains have caused damage to the walls, leading to their caving in, and I fear further deterioration or even collapse. The concrete skirting will reinforce the walls and prevent additional damage. Since I lack a stable source of income, I hope to save at least $20 from each cash transfer to work towards achieving this goal."