Engaging in strenuous casual work has been my means of making a living, particularly to offset the seasonal and unpredictable income from my farming, susceptible to the changing weather patterns prevalent in our region. This job is very involving, frequently leaving me exhausted after each rigorous day. . As I look ahead to the coming year and beyond, a sense of optimism drives my plan to establish a shop business within the village. I see this as a strategic move towards securing a more stable livelihood, bringing a welcome shift from the challenges of my current circumstances. In envisioning this business venture, I anticipate that the goats I am planning to acquire will play a crucial role. Their rapid multiplication is expected to provide a valuable source of income, as I plan to sell some and utilize the proceeds as initial capital for starting the shop. This endeavor is not merely about income generation; it represents a pursuit of a sustainable livelihood, allowing me to transition away from the physically demanding nature of casual work.

In my opinion, the organization has undertaken a commendable job by providing generous cash transfers, empowering individuals to make substantial investments with the potential for significant returns in the future. Personally, I am profoundly grateful for the impact of the transfer on my circumstances. It facilitated the resolution of a pressing issue that has long weighed on me – fencing my land to prevent the daily encroachment of my neighbor's livestock. This is something I had yearned for extensively, but my financial constraints had prevented me from taking this crucial step. The happiness and relief I feel now that my land is secure are immeasurable, allowing me to comfortably practice my farming without the constant worries that used to accompany this endeavor. Thank you, GD

I have dedicated myself to the fencing my four acres of land since receiving my initial transfer from GD. Recognizing this as a crucial opportunity, especially given my financial struggles relying on casual work for a living, I aimed to establish a permanent fence using chain links to address persistent livestock invasions that consistently hindered my farm's productivity, resulting in losses. While I had initiated the fencing previously, I couldn't complete it due to running out of funds after utilizing the second transfer. Utilizing $125 from the third transfer, I acquired the necessary six chain links and allocated $30 for the labour required to finish the task. I am genuinely delighted that I can now plant my crops without the constant worry of destruction. Having saved the remaining $290, my next plan is to initiate a goat-rearing project by purchasing six goats. Goats thrive in our region due to the hot climatic conditions, which facilitate rapid reproduction and increase their numbers. The overarching goal is to establish financial stability before considering starting a family, acknowledging the challenges of raising children without a reliable income. I am optimistic that the income generated from my small-scale maize farming and the periodic sale of goats will empower me to provide for my future family.

My aspiration for the coming year and beyond is to venture into goat farming. Having recently established a strong fence around my land, my current focus is on cultivating a nurturing environment with ample grass and thicket, particularly beneficial for goat farming, especially given the current abundance of rainfall. Once the market reflects a favorable drop in the cost of goats, I plan to initiate the venture with the purchase of approximately 10 goats. This endeavor is a long-term investment, with the intention of selling their offspring in the future. The anticipated returns from the sale will be useful in acquiring household goods and addressing various financial obligations. Currently relying on casual labor and living alone, this venture not only holds the promise of economic sustainability but also signifies a step toward self-reliance and long-term financial stability.

In my view, GiveDirectly has done an exceptional job that I am sincerely grateful for. The cash support has had a significant positive impact, allowing us the flexibility to invest in areas that align with our needs and aspirations. Personally, I have utilized the funds to fence around my piece of land, laying the groundwork for starting a goat farming venture in the coming months. The emphasis placed on responsible money use during the enrollment process resonated with most people in our village. After the second transfer, there was collective diligence in utilizing the funds to bring about positive transformations in our living standards. The appreciation for GiveDirectly's efforts is widespread, highlighting the organization's success in not only providing financial support but also fostering a sense of responsibility and positive change within the community.

Upon receiving the second transfer, my immediate plan was to fence my four-acre piece of land. I purchased 10 chain links and 1 barbed wire, totaling $322, to secure the area. While fencing, I incurred a labor cost of $32, as an extra pair of hands was needed for digging holes and tightening wires to ensure the fence's sturdiness. This fencing serves the purpose of keeping stray livestock at bay, preventing them from clearing vegetation on the farm. With the fence in place, I aim to cultivate the land and prepare for goat farming. Although I initially intended to use the remaining funds to buy goats, the current high prices, driven by festivities and an anticipated goat auction in the nearby shopping center, led me to reconsider. I have opted to save the remaining amount, planning to make the purchase when prices are expected to drop towards the end of December. This strategic decision allows for a more efficient allocation of resources for the future development of my farming venture.

I was on my way to fetch drinking water from a local stream when I heard my phone ring. Upon checking and confirming that I had received money from GiveDirectly I felt so happy that I was finally going to be able to fence my compound and make my homestead more lively and enjoyable. I normally rely on odd casual jobs that earns me hardly $2 per day which is just enough to buy food for myself.

The biggest difference in my daily life ever since I started receiving these transfers is that I am growing towards being independent financially. Once I am done with the construction of my fence then I will embark on using all the remaining amount of money towards purchasing goats for keeping. The goats will be a huge investment for me and my family and will help a great deal in future. This will also mean I cease relying on odd casual jobs to make ends meet and I will start embarking on rearing my goats.

I used $170 to fence my compound. I bought 4 chain links that costed me $100 and a barbed wire that costed $70. The remaining $10 was used to buy food and other basic household needs that I required at that time. I am so happy that i received the transfer from GiveDirectly and for what it has enabled me to do for myself. Once I have completed the construction of this house then I will use the money that I get to start goat keeping. Goats are a great asset to us here because they can endure the hot climatic conditions that are largely dominant here.