Despite our heavy reliance on livestock farming, purchasing food has become increasingly challenging due to soaring prices caused by scarcity and the monopolization of the market by a few successful producers. Looking ahead to the coming year and beyond, my priority is to reduce our dependence on purchased food items for my family of three by intensifying our focus on farming, particularly with the onset of rain after periods of drought. As I age, my primary objective is to ensure an ample supply of food for my grandchildren, who rely on me for sustenance. Despite owning a piece of land, the detrimental effects of drought have made harvesting increasingly difficult. Nonetheless, I remain determined to overcome these challenges and enhance our food security through improved farming practices which include irrigation, and timely planting.

Before receiving support from GiveDirectly, I was struggling a lot. However, when I received the first amount, I was able to provide healthy food for my two grandchildren, who have since been attending school without missing a day. I am one of the happiest members of the village who received the full amount within the stipulated timelines given by GiveDirectly. I appreciate the honesty of the organization and their willingness to follow up and ensure that all our needs were met. I have no complaints at all, but I pray that the organization continues to do good work in villages to improve people's living standards.

Livestock farming has long been the backbone of our community's economy, offering stability even in the face of harsh droughts. With the recent transfer, I saw an opportunity to invest in three goats, allocating $200 to purchase them. These goats hold promise for the future, as I plan to breed them and eventually sell their offspring for additional income. Recognizing the importance of improving our living conditions, I allocated $140 towards household essentials, including a bed, mattress, and blankets to ensure a more comfortable rest. Additionally, I invested in new clothing, including a pair of shoes, to upgrade my wardrobe. I spent $30 to acquire equipment for collecting and storing rainwater as a way of addressing the challenge of water storage. To sustain my family of three, I spent $60 on food, comprising maize and beans. I wisely saved the remaining $20, which serves as a buffer for replenishing household goods and purchasing additional food items. I am immensely grateful for the support from GiveDirectly, which has reignited hope and contributed to our improved livelihood, aligning with the aspirations of our community members.

In the upcoming year and in the future, my goal is to increase my income by acquiring more goats. I previously had goats, but unfortunately, they succumbed to a disease outbreak, and I lacked the funds to replace them. To realize this objective, I plan to set aside a portion of my third transfer. With my steadfast dedication and hard work, I am highly confident that I can transform this dream into a tangible reality. I believe that my efforts will serve as the building blocks for the success and growth of my envisioned goat-rearing project.

The assistance provided by GiveDirectly has been an invaluable blessing in our lives, granting us financial independence through unconditional transfers that we were able to use according to our individual needs. They also provided us with valuable security information to protect our funds. In summary, I have strong confidence that the program's implementation is impeccable, leaving no room for any concerns that need attention.

Upon receiving my second transfer, my immediate priority was to ensure that our household had an ample supply of food, given its urgent need at the time. I used $150 to purchase enough food items. Furthermore, I invested $180 in acquiring four goats, which can be easily liquidated in case of emergencies. The remaining amount was used to purchase various household items. With my energy not as robust as before, I now rely on my children for our livelihood, and I occasionally engage in rope weaving. I share my home with my two grandchildren, who attend a nearby primary school. In the past, all these endeavors were out of reach due to financial constraints. We are profoundly grateful for the support we've received from GiveDirectly, as it has significantly improved our quality of life.

In the early evening, I was returning home after gathering firewood when my daughter, who also assists me, arrived with some incredible news. As I was still settling in, she shared that the long-awaited transfer had finally been sent. The moment was truly exhilarating, filling my heart with immense joy and relief. Instantly, I realized that the persistent concern of insufficient food would now be a thing of the past.

Since the arrival of these transfers, a profound shift has taken place in my life. The transformation in my appearance is remarkable, presenting a stark contrast to how I appeared before the transfers came through. The availability of ample food for myself and two additional family members has translated into a noticeable improvement in my well-being – I look healthier and more strong. Moreover, the upgrade to more comfortable bedding has had a positive impact on my sleep quality, contributing to enhanced productivity during my waking hours. In the past, I endured sleeping on worn out bedding, which not only proved challenging to maintain cleanliness but also rendered my sleep uncomfortable.

As anticipated, a significant portion of the received transfer, amounting to $70, went into purchasing food. The persistent lack of rainfall in our region has severely impacted food production, reducing it to a minimal level, thereby necessitating the purchase of most of our essential supplies. Our income primarily comes casual and manual labor, which has posed a continuous challenge in ensuring sufficient access to adquate food. Furthermore, I utilized $53 from the transfer to acquire a new mattress, blanket, dress, and a pair of shoes. These items were indispensable, as the ones I previously owned were worn and in poor condition. Presently, I find solace in the fact that I can now enjoy restful sleep on a comfortable mattress and have presentable attire to wear on various occasions. The worries about my appearance have been alleviated. The transformation in my life is heartening; I feel healthier and more content. Additionally, I invested a portion of the transfer in purchasing three chickens for rearing, thereby enhancing our potential for sustainable food sources. The remaining funds were allocated towards providing fare for my grandson, ensuring that the benefits of the received transfer extend to the well-being of my family members.