I am planning to expand my poultry farm by adding 50 chicks to the 30 I've already started with. My goal is to rear these chicks and sell them after three months. The inspiration for this investment came from my uncle and my sister, who have both been successful in poultry farming. Their success encouraged me to venture into this field. Additionally, my initial experience in buying and selling chickens highlighted the potential of this business. I purchase each chick at $1.1 and sell them for $6 after three months. Fortunately, the market demand is great, with brokers regularly coming to my home to buy the chickens. This steady market makes the business even more promising.

What I truly appreciated about GiveDirectly's support was the way the cash was transferred directly to our phones, which significantly minimized corruption. The enrollment process was conducted solely by GiveDirectly officers without local leaders' involvement, ensuring that all of us received the funds without bias. Moreover, GiveDirectly officers were notably respectful and patient, and their teachings during the community meetings (barazas) helped us understand the organization better, eliminating any doubts we might have had. Additionally, their education on wise spending guided us on how to use the funds effectively and their follow-up process after transfer receipt motivated everyone to spend their money wisely. I hope GiveDirectly continues with this commendable approach.

As a farmer working alongside my husband on our 2 to 3-acre land, we've frequently faced challenges with crop production due to droughts. When I received support from GiveDirectly, I initiated a chicken buying and selling business to diversify our income. I started with 15 chickens, purchasing each for between $2.50 and $3, and selling them for $4. Encouraged by these investment returns, I ventured into a chicken project with 30 improved indigenous chicks, which has significantly supported my family of seven. Upon receiving my third transfer, I learned that my neighbor was selling a perfectly located acre of land near the river, which I sometimes rented. It was priced at $1100, and I used $420 from my final transfer to make a down payment. To pay off the remaining balance, I plan to sell about 25 bags of harvested maize. Additionally, I used the rest of the transfer to cover our food expenses. Thank you GiveDirectly.

I am setting an ambitious goal to expand my chicken business from the current count of thirty to at least a hundred chicks. This venture excites me for its profitability and its sustainability. Purchasing each chick at $1.1 and selling them six months later for $6 each offers a substantial profit margin. Moreover, the convenience of brokers coming directly to my home to purchase the chickens eliminates the hassle of market sales, streamlining the process. This strategy enhances the sustainability of my business and promises a brighter future for my entrepreneurial endeavors.

I am grateful for the humility and kindness exhibited by the officers from GiveDirectly. Their approach of providing unconditional support has been a blessing, allowing my family and others in the community to invest in addressing our most pressing needs. This freedom to prioritize has been instrumental in fostering financial stability and resilience. Thank you to GiveDirectly for their invaluable assistance and empowering approach.

With the generous support from GiveDirectly, I expanded my small goat herd by purchasing three additional goats for $150, a meaningful investment aimed at creating a lasting legacy and aiding in my family's future sustenance. I was managing 10 to 15 chicks due to financial constraints. With the support from GiveDirectly, I purchased 30 more chicks at $33, along with $15 worth of chick mash, significantly boosting my poultry business. Recognizing the need for a proper shelter for my growing chicks, I invested $50 in a ready-made chicken house, transitioning them from the kitchen to a more suitable environment. Additionally, the timely support facilitated the purchase of fertilizer for $150 for my three-acre maize farm at a critical top-dressing stage, a crucial step I could not have funded otherwise. To improve my family's living conditions, I allocated $30 for a new mattress, replacing the worn-out one and providing my children, who previously relied on temporary bedding, with a more comfortable sleeping arrangement. I used $12 on a few food items. Miscellaneous expenses included $4 for transport and $6 for educational books for my children to ensure their well-being and education are not compromised. As farmers, my husband and I tirelessly work to support our family, navigating the unpredictable nature of our livelihood with determination and hope. GiveDirectly's support has alleviated immediate financial pressures and planted seeds for a prosperous future for our family.

It was around 3:30 pm, and I was at the garden harvesting green grams alongside my husband and children when I received an MPesa message from Segovia Technology. Excitement rushed in as I immediately shared the news with my husband. The following day, I withdrew the transferred money, and a sense of happiness enveloped our family. With the funds in hand, my first thought was to invest in expanding our livestock. I decided to purchase a goat to add to our existing three, seeing it as an opportunity to bolster our small herd. The prospect of growing our livestock holdings felt like a step toward securing our family's future.

I am overjoyed by the transformative impact the transfers have had on my life and my family's well-being. I seized the opportunity to invest in additional goats, expanding our livestock holdings beyond the initial three we had. This positive change has been monumental for us. We have transitioned from a time of uncertainty, where securing enough food was a constant worry, to a more stable and secure position. Now, we stand proudly as a food-secure household, a feat we once deemed nearly impossible. The transfers have been a catalyst for this positive transformation, significantly improving our lives and providing us with the means to build a more secure and stable future. The newfound stability and security are a testament to the remarkable impact these transfers have had on our lives.

Receiving the transfers marked a turning point for my family. Out of the funds, I allocated $100 to purchase goats, a valuable addition to our livestock assets. Another portion, $42, was wisely spent on maize, ensuring our food security. Additionally, $20 was invested in harvesting green grams, a vital step in our farming endeavours. The remaining amount was dedicated to purchasing clothing for my children, prioritizing their needs. As a family of seven dependent on farming for our livelihood, these allocations were crucial steps toward securing our future. Accomplishing these goals has uplifted my spirits and brought me a sense of accomplishment. These transfers have significantly impacted our lives, providing opportunities for growth and stability, and I am grateful for the positive changes they have brought to our family.