My current plan is to start rearing chickens, a goal I have always had in mind. The only obstacle has been the starting capital. By rearing chickens, I will be able to sell eggs to generate income for our basic needs and sell chickens in case of an emergency.After establishing the chicken business, I plan to use the income to start planting papayas. Papayas require little water to grow and can survive during drought seasons, allowing for continuous harvesting throughout the year.

I truly appreciate the way you educate us during barazas, emphasizing that this money is unconditional and that we can make our own decisions. We are grateful for your consideration of our community. When you visit other villages, please remember to consider those who are very poor and enroll them in the program. Also, provide them with the same education and guidance that you have given us.

I am a mother of four children, and my husband works as a primary school teacher. I am not formally employed, and my primary responsibilities include farming and occasionally doing casual jobs. Life has been challenging for us because my husband had taken out loans in the past, resulting in a reduced salary that wasn't even enough to cover basic food necessities.After receiving my last transfer, I decided to use $50 to purchase essential items to alleviate the need for casual labor like working on other people's farms. I also invested $150 in agriculture to plant two hectares of beans. Initially, I didn't have enough capital to engage in sufficient farming, but thanks to GiveDirectly, we were able to achieve what seemed impossible.Our house had old, rusted iron sheets that leaked when it rained, making our living conditions uncomfortable. I used $150 to improve the roof and make necessary repairs. With the remaining amount, I bought new chairs since the ones we had were all broken.My heartfelt appreciation goes to GiveDirectly for their support. I am very grateful.

I plan to invest in poultry farming. This investment will provide us with another source of income besides dairy and crop farming. In our village, there's a market every Monday where brokers come to buy chicken. They purchase cocks for $8 each and hens for $4 each. Additionally, I can sell eggs from layers. My strategy involves starting with 20 Indigenous chicks breed, which I estimate will require around $80 capital. Approximately $30 will go towards purchasing the chicks, and use the remaining amount to buy feeds and drugs. Raising indigenous breeds is cost-effective, as they mature in six months. I plan to raise layers for egg production and use local chicken for hatching to increase the production rate. With careful management, I believe this poultry farming will indeed provide us with a steady income to support our family's needs. It's an exciting opportunity to diversify our income sources and improve our financial stability.

GiveDirectly's officers maintained a high level of patience and humility. They were easy to understand and work with, which made the enrollment process smooth and accessible for us. Moreover, I appreciate the educational aspect of GiveDirectly's program, particularly its focus on wise spending. This education has empowered individuals in our community to make informed decisions about how to allocate their funds, ensuring that they address their most pressing needs without misuse. Thanks to GiveDirectly's support. I hope that you continue to extend your helping hand to more people. The impact on our community is great, and I believe continued efforts will make a positive difference in the lives of many more individuals and families.

Receiving my second transfer, my mind couldn't focus on anything but fulfilling my desire to own a dairy cow. We already have two Boran breed cows at home, but their milk production is low. From both cows combined, we only get a total of 3 liters per day during the calving stage, which isn't much. We mainly use it for consumption within our household. I desired to have a cow with high milk production so that I could sell the surplus and earn extra income. I purchased a dairy cow for $500, contributing $50 of my own money alongside the $450 I received from GiveDirectly. This cow has promising milk potential; currently, I'm getting 2 liters of milk a day, and it's almost drying up, indicating that during calving, I will likely get even more milk. I plan to sell this milk to support my husband in providing for our family's needs. This way, we won't have to solely rely on his income. We have six children ( two girls and four boys). I am a farmer, while my husband is a primary school teacher. On our three-acre farm, I cultivate maize and vegetables. However, Sometimes, production is lower than expected, and it can be costly, especially with the expenses of using a generator for irrigation. In addition, there are times when the river dries up, resulting in poor harvests. Having the dairy cow will provide us with a diverse income source. If one source fails, we will have another to fall back on. Thank you GiveDirectly for enabling me to fulfil my desire.

I was in my maize farm when the message about $200 from GiveDirectly popped up. It felt like a prayer answered because my maize needed fertilizer. Instantly, I knew what I had to do. I allocated $120 for the much-needed fertilizer, ensuring my crops would grow healthy and strong. Another immediate concern was clean water. Before, we used to drink water from the river, and it was affecting my four kids' health, causing illnesses like typhoid. So, I set aside $35 to buy clean water. It wasn't just about the crops; it was about the well-being of my family. The feeling was pure joy. It meant my farm would thrive, and my kids would have access to clean water, promoting good health. This unexpected support wasn't just money; it was a solution to two pressing challenges, making a tangible difference in our daily lives.

Since I began getting money from GiveDirectly, the biggest change in my life is the happiness in my family. Now, my family is healthy because we drink fresh water. Before, my kids were getting sick from the river water, but that has changed. Another big change is in my maize farm. I'm waiting for a big harvest, and that's something new. Usually, I couldn't afford fertilizer for my crops, but now, with the help I get, I can. It means my farm is healthier, and I'm expecting more maize than before. The changes in my family's health and the success of my farm make me really happy. It's like a brighter future for all of us.

I was in my maize farm when the message about $200 from GiveDirectly popped up. It felt like a prayer answered because my maize was in need of fertilizer. Instantly, I knew what I had to do. I allocated $120 for the much-needed fertilizer, ensuring my crops would grow healthy and strong. Another immediate concern was clean water. Before, we used to drink water from the river, and it was affecting my kids' health, causing illnesses like typhoid. So, I set aside $80 to buy clean water. It wasn't just about the crops; it was about the well-being of my family. The feeling was pure joy. It meant my farm would thrive, and my kids would have access to clean water, promoting good health. This unexpected support wasn't just money; it was a solution to two pressing challenges, making a tangible difference in our daily lives.