My foremost goal is to fortify my financial independence by strategically investing in assets, specifically goats. Recognizing the impermanence of certain aid programs like GiveDirectly, I aim to secure a sustainable future for myself. By purchasing more goats, I envision building a valuable asset base that can generate income through breeding and sales. This strategic move is motivated by a desire to cease dependency on my children for financial support, ensuring that I have a tangible resource to fall back on. I believe that by making prudent investments, I can not only weather the uncertainties of external aid but also pave the way for a more self-reliant and secure future.

This Christmas was unlike any other, thanks to the unconditional cash transfer of $1.5 that I received from GiveDirectly. With the festive season in full swing, I decided to make it memorable for my family of six. I used the money to buy an abundance of food, ensuring that our Christmas feast was a lavish affair. We gathered around the table, sharing laughter and joy as we indulged in a hearty meal. The generosity of GiveDirectly brought warmth to our home, and for the first time in a long while, I felt the true spirit of the season. With the remaining $19.7, I made a strategic decision to invest in five goats. As a jobless older woman relying on my son's casual labor, I saw these goats not just as animals but as potential assets. Each month's cash installment contributed to expanding this small herd, giving me a sense of security. In case of emergencies, I now have a fallback plan: selling a goat or two. Moreover, it offers a glimmer of hope for a future where I can take care of myself without depending on anyone else. The unconditional cash transfer turned a festive season into a turning point, providing not just momentary joy but a pathway to resilience and self-sufficiency.

I have set a goal to expand my investments by acquiring additional livestock. By doing so, I anticipate that these animals will multiply over time, effectively doubling my initial investment. This strategic move ensures that I will have a sustainable source of income even after the conclusion of the financial aid. I am extremely grateful for the invaluable support that has not only helped me endure the challenging weather conditions but also navigate through difficult economic circumstances over the past few months. The financial boost has been instrumental in providing stability and resilience during these trying times.

I decided to invest in the future by purchasing two young goats at a cost of $15 each. Fortunately, we recently experienced a bountiful harvest of maize from our farms, which provided me with the opportunity to allocate the funds towards acquiring the goats. Since the harvest, I have significantly reduced my expenses on purchasing food, as we now have an abundant supply. The goats represent a practical and strategic investment for the future, as they will eventually multiply and expand our livestock, thereby creating additional wealth even after the transfer period has ended. Prior to the bumper harvest, I faced the challenge of having to purchase most of the food for my family, leading to accumulated expenses of $92. The high cost of food was particularly burdensome, considering that my main source of income is my son, who works as a casual laborer in the village, constructing houses for others. However, I am grateful that with the assistance of the transfer, we no longer go to bed on empty stomachs. The financial support has alleviated a significant burden and ensured that our basic needs are met.

Thanks to the previous cash transfers, I was able to acquire five goats, which I have successfully kept until now. Looking ahead, my goal for the next few years is to expand my herd and increase the number of goats I own. By doing so, I believe that I will have a reliable source of income and support for my family's needs. Having a larger herd will provide me with the opportunity to sell some goats when necessary, allowing me to generate funds that can be used to address the issue of hunger in my household. I am optimistic that this livestock venture will bring stability and alleviate the financial challenges we currently face.

My son, Rashid, carries the weight of providing for our family of seven by doing casual jobs in house construction. However, the income he earns often falls short of covering our food expenses. When I received the transfer, the household had run out of maize flour. So, I spent $23 on food that lasted for a week. Thankfully, my son was able to provide more food from then that served us to date; we have never missed a meal. Also, I allocated $11 for a pair of khanga and a new ‘dera’ dress to wear when stepping out for a journey or an event – all my other clothes are worn out for decent public appearances. By utilizing the cash transfer in this manner, I addressed our immediate food needs and ensured that we have not gone hungry. I also allocated funds towards acquiring decent attire for important occasions, considering the state of my current clothing.

My children are all grown up, and none are currently enrolled in school. As a result, I do not have to spend a lot of money on school-related expenses. My primary goal now that I am older is to raise livestock (goats). I currently have six goats, but I plan to purchase one every month. I am hopeful that I will have a large herd, which will contribute to my wealth accumulation. Because goats are highly valued in our society, the venture will help improve my social standing in our society.

Though I do not have a regular source of income, I have not been bearing much burden because we are only three in my family. The monthly transfers have been supporting us so well thus we do not feel the adverse effect of famine. When I received my recent transfers, I used $30 to buy two young goats. I currently have six goats. I want to raise more livestock because I perceive them as a source of security for me when GiveDirectly's program ends. I won't be worried if I have a herd of goats because livestock will allow me to easily support my family.

My name is Kavumbi Karisa Kalume, I am fifty-nine years old. I am retired and a stay-at-home wife. My husband is seventy years old and we are blessed to have four children. All my children are married and we fully depend on them. My youngest son is called Rashid, he provides food for me and my husband most of the time. He works as a masonry at the nearby construction getting a pay of $6 per day. I spent the recent transfer on two goats that I am rearing hoping they will reproduce, and sell some whenever I need money to buy food.

In my view, GiveDirectly does a good work on improving the living conditions of the neediest members of society. This is achieved by providing direct cash transfers to those who have successfully completed its program. As a result of the transfer, we have been able to easily obtain food and support the education of our children's education. Moreover, it conducts frequent follow-ups to determine the effect of program on the community where it works. GiveDirectly, on the other hand, does not do anything well because we are satisfied with its ways of operations.

For several years, I have been longing to raise some goats although I was unable to since I did not have some reliable sources of income. In the event I received my transfer, I considered spending KES 3,000 on buying two goats. I am glad that now I have begun raising goats with an aim of having a large stock. From then, I am hopeful I shall be able to begin keeping cows. Thanks to GiveDirectly for its kind support.

The message came late at night when I was asleep.The next morning my son woke me up with excitement because he had received his share of the funds.When he took my phone and confirmed I had the same message. I was so happy and excited that I started singing with joy.

The biggest difference in my daily life since I started receiving these transfers is the buying of the goats because it’s a start to a journey of goat farming, which is quite an investment in the future. My age does not allow me to work as a charcoal burner and I have been meaning to retire from the tedious exercise in the hope of at least having another way of meeting my needs.

  My husband and I are old, and we only have two children. Because of our old age, one of my sons lives with us in order to take care of us. Our challenge is food because we are unemployed and our age makes it difficult to secure a job. However, for our basic needs, I have been working with my son, who is a charcoal vendor, while I work as a charcoal burner. The charcoal business is quite competitive in this area and my earnings of KES 300 per bag will only afford a meal once a day. I spent my entire KES 3000 to buy two goats because I desire to start goat farming, which my husband can help rear as I work in the charcoal business.