In the upcoming year, my aspirations include expanding the honey business as a means to support my family of six. The plan is to use the profits generated from the honey business to venture into chicken rearing, adding another stream of income to our household. The estimated cost for this dual initiative is approximately $400. The strategic use of savings, along with the profits from the honey business, will contribute to the success of this expansion. This approach not only ensures financial prudence but also maximizes the resources available for sustainable growth. The decision to delve into chicken rearing aligns with a broader vision of diversifying our income sources beyond honey production. I believe this dual venture will not only enhance our financial stability but also provide valuable lessons in managing and scaling agricultural enterprises. I am grateful for the support I received, which has empowered me to plan for a more secure and prosperous future for my family. I am hopeful that the coming year will bring positive changes and increased economic stability.

GiveDirectly's unconditional cash transfers have proven to be a catalyst for positive change, opening up people's minds and empowering them to make meaningful decisions. The follow-up calls from the organization have played a crucial role in fostering responsibility among recipients, leading to a noticeable reduction in the poverty index within the community. On a personal level, I have experienced tangible benefits from acquiring assets through the transfers I received. This not only improves my immediate living conditions but also contributes to a more stable and secure future for myself and my family of six. While appreciating the positive impact, I share a wish for GiveDirectly to consider in-house follow-up visits. Such visits would further ensure that the transfers are effectively utilized, providing valuable insights into the true impact on the community. This proactive approach can help maintain transparency, dispel any misinformation, and encourage a sense of accountability within the community. Overall, I am grateful for the assistance received and hopeful that ongoing efforts will continue to uplift and empower communities through thoughtful and effective interventions.

Receiving the transfers was a turning point for my family. I allocated $150 to complete the construction of a two-roomed iron-roofed house, enhancing our living conditions. Sensibly, I saved $170, providing a financial buffer for unforeseen circumstances. The remainder of the funds was invested in bee hives, reviving a previously unsuccessful honey business. Market challenges, such as soaring prices, had led to the business's initial setback. Now, with renewed resources, I am optimistic about the revitalization of the honey venture. This not only adds another income stream for my family of six but also diversifies our sources of revenue beyond farming. The support received has enabled me to pursue these strategic decisions, fostering resilience and adaptability for a more secure and prosperous future.

My focus in the coming year and beyond is on the continuous expansion of my honey buying and selling business. The generated proceeds from this venture hold a crucial role in realizing my dream of securing a plot of land for my young family. Currently residing on a family friend's land, I am aware that I will need to relocate once they begin dividing the property among their sons. Despite living here for the past 40 years, life challenges have hindered my ability to save for my own property. While I initially considered using GiveDirectly's cash support for this purpose, unforeseen medical expenses arose due to my wife's cesarean birth. Nevertheless, the profitability of my honey business, with a 20-liter bucket yielding a profit of at least $27 and a readily available market, provides optimism for achieving both financial stability and the long-awaited dream of acquiring a plot of land for my family's future.

The entry of GiveDirectly into our village has prompted significant changes, motivating everyone to take steps toward improving their living standards. It is now evident that people grasp the importance of this support, a contrast to the initial reception where some were flagged for misuse. The support has ignited a multitude of business ideas among villagers. I express hope that GiveDirectly maintains this effective approach and extends its assistance to people in other villages, fostering positive transformations and empowering communities beyond our own.

Receiving the second transfer from GiveDirectly allowed our family to achieve planned goals despite facing challenges, including hospital bills for my wife's cesarean section. We are in the process of constructing new houses, having purchased construction materials worth $270. Although construction hasn't begun, having the materials ready brings satisfaction, and we aim to start soon. The original plan to invest in livestock was affected by the high cost of goats during festivities and the upcoming goat auction. Instead, I allocated $130 to boost my honey-selling business, purchasing two additional buckets and selling them for $184, realizing a good profit. This revived business, previously affected by a lack of sufficient capital, now has potential for growth in the coming months. The remaining $50 was saved for emergencies and household needs. The support from GiveDirectly has not only enabled us to address immediate needs but also provided opportunities for business growth and improved living conditions for our family.

My wife and I were lounging outside our house in the shade of a tree at approximately 3:00PM. We were engaged in a conversation about how, if we were fortunate enough to receive the GD transfers, we would use them. My phone buzzed, and an SMS notification popped out of the blue. We checked, and sure enough, it was the GD transfers. I eagerly shared the message with her, and the two of us sang praises to God together. As soon as possible, we intended to buy a bag of maize for our family's food supply. I excitedly anticipated making the transaction the next day. This unexpected turn of events made us feel grateful and eager for the beneficial changes the transfers would bring to our lives.

Since receiving the transfer, I have experienced a significant reduction in the stress of finding money to support my family's needs. The timing was particularly crucial, as we recently welcomed a baby who is now just two months old. Ensuring proper nourishment for the mother to support the baby's health was a top priority, and the funds arrived just when we needed them most. This has allowed me to provide ample food for their well-being, bringing me great relief. Furthermore, I am thrilled to share that I've been able to resurrect a goat farming project that was nearly abandoned. Before the transfer, I had only two goats left since I had sold them multiple times to provide for my family. With this transfer, I have been able to rejuvenate this project, potentially establishing a more stable source of income for the future.

The recent transfer brought so much hope to my family. I used $87 to purchase two goats, aiming to replace what I had previously sold to support my family's needs. This decision was rooted in the knowledge that goats thrive in our area. Given that each goat can reproduce twice a year, I consider this a lucrative investment with the potential for future sales, becoming a reliable income source for my family. I used the remaining funds, $93, to buy food. This is particularly crucial as my wife recently gave birth and has a two-month-old baby. Adequate nourishment is vital during this time, not only for the baby's well-being but also for my wife's recovery. I lacked the means to ensure this before, mainly due to the challenges of finding consistent casual work, which I rely on, due to the lack of rain. I used to work on other people's land, and the current situation is challenging due to crop failure caused by insufficient rainfall. I am confident that this food supply will sustain her and my two other children during this challenging period.