"Having initiated the rearing of one goat, my goal is set on expanding and cultivating a bigger herd in the future. The conducive environment for livestock farming, provided by the vast land with shrubs and thicket, is making this endeavor both instrumental and manageable. Leveraging the returns from my current involvement in charcoal farming and the surplus from subsistence farming, I am committed to consistently saving a portion of the proceeds. The objective is to strategically invest in the acquisition of more goats, further fortifying my livestock farming efforts. This approach not only aligns with the productive utilization of available resources but also lays the foundation for a sustainable and progressively growing herd."

"My goal is to attain a diploma in education. As a teacher by profession, my current qualifications are not competitive enough to secure a job in the face of stiff competition. During interviews, individuals with higher qualifications often secure the positions, motivating me to pursue further studies. The cost for the entire diploma is currently $900. However, it is challenging for both my husband (also a teacher) and me, to raise this amount at once, as our income sources only cover basic household needs. Therefore, I plan to save a portion of future cash transfers, just enough to enroll in college. Subsequently, I will gradually source funds to settle the fees as time progresses."

"By the time the transfers come to an end, my goal is to have extended one more room to my house. Currently, all four of us (my mother, my two children, and myself) share a one-room structure, and the space is too tight. Previously, it was challenging to build another room, as the little funds I made from selling palm wine were just enough for necessities like food or school fees. I am grateful that the cash transfers have enabled me to contribute to a merry-go-round where I aim to save $20 every month. I hope that when it's my turn to receive the money, I can use it to extend the room. Additionally, I want to expand my livestock herd of two goats, as I can sell them in the future to cover school fees for my children, even when my business is not doing well or after the cash transfers end."

"I am delighted that the cash transfers have enabled me to own goats, a goal that was previously unattainable. The limited income from making and selling charcoal could barely cover my children's school fees and provide daily food. Now, thanks to the cash transfers, I have four goats. I aspire to grow this herd to ten goats by the time the cash transfers come to an end. Owning goats brings me assurance and happiness, and I am grateful for this opportunity provided by GiveDirectly."

"My goal is to initiate a vegetable-selling business in my village. In my area, people have to walk for almost a couple of hours to find a market or a vegetable-selling stand. I am confident that starting this business will give me an advantage due to the demand for vegetables and the lack of competition. To kickstart the business, I need at least $60 to acquire the initial stock. Before starting the business, I plan to set up the stand by purchasing building materials. Once everything is in place, I aim to begin building a new dwelling space for my family. The current house, with a grass-thatched roof, leaks water during rainfall. I am certain that obtaining a completely new house will provide better shelter for my family."

"My primary challenge now is the medication for my son’s, Safari, epileptic condition. This is where most of my cash transfers go. My long-term plan has always been to build a new house because the current condition is very poor. The mud on the walls is disintegrating from the ongoing rains, leaving the house with holes, and it has started caving in. It is not the best living situation. I aim to construct a completely new house with an iron sheet roof and mud walls, but in a structure that is not vulnerable to rain. After achieving this, I will start planning to develop myself, particularly in terms of rearing livestock. I sincerely hope that my son will get better in the future so that I can allocate some of the cash transfers to buying livestock."

"My vision for the next few years is centered around keeping goats. I am pleased that previous cash transfers allowed me to buy two goats, both of which have given birth, increasing the number to four. Beyond goats, I aspire to purchase at least four cows before the cash transfers cease. With cows, I can use them for farming activities like plowing and even rent them out to generate funds."

"In the coming year, I am eager to dive into farming as a means to support my family of seven. My starting capital is just $20. I have devised a plan to earn this amount through casual jobs like weeding, seizing every opportunity to build the foundation for our farming venture. I see this as more than just a financial endeavor. It is about nurturing the land, providing sustenance, and creating a future for my family. With each day's labor, I am sowing the seeds of our future. Farming is not just a livelihood; it is a commitment to nurturing the soil and reaping the rewards it offers. I understand the challenges ahead, but I am ready to embrace them. From cultivating the land to tending to the crops, I am prepared to pour my energy and dedication into this venture. It is about building something substantial from the ground up, step by step, seed by seed."

"GiveDirectly's support during the severe drought was a beacon of hope in our community's darkest hour, offering crucial assistance when life became unbearably expensive. The transfers provided a significant boost to our financial standing, particularly when I allocated them to enhance my wife's business, creating stability during tough times. While I am immensely grateful for their aid, I believe additional support, like more boreholes, could transform our lives further. Access to more water sources would alleviate the struggles caused by drought, easing the burden on families like ours. Furthermore, an empowered healthcare system would be a game-changer, ensuring that vital medical services are accessible to everyone in our community. If GiveDirectly could extend their support in these crucial areas, it would not only alleviate immediate hardships but also pave the way for a more resilient and prosperous community, lifting us beyond the challenges imposed by nature and circumstances."

"When the transfers came through, I made two essential investments: $390 went into purchasing fencing wire, a crucial step toward securing my dedicated 3-acre farm. The rest of the funds were invested in a goat, a valuable asset in its own right. The fencing wire holds immense significance as it will enclose the land where I plan to cultivate maize. This maize farm is not just about sustaining my family of six today; it is a crucial step in securing a future for my children. As I grow older, I have come to rely on farming to ensure my children have the means to pursue education by covering their school fees. This farm represents more than just a piece of land; it is a beacon of hope for the future. It is my way of laying the foundation for my children, ensuring they have opportunities ahead despite my limitations. Every stalk of maize planted is a step toward securing their future, allowing them to grow and flourish even when I am no longer able to provide as I do now."