In the coming years, I plan to focus on large-scale farming, engaging in both livestock and crop production. I want to help my community by selling chicks at a lower price, making poultry farming more accessible for everyone. Additionally, I am praying to purchase more incubators to maintain high poultry production and also sell eggs. I aim to save the money I earn to finance my children's school fees, ensuring they receive a good education. Furthermore, I want to purchase several plots of land, which will serve as valuable assets for our future. With hard work and dedication, I am determined to build a better life for my family and contribute positively to my community.

GiveDirectly did an excellent job in providing support to our community, ensuring that the officers were not interfered with by other organizations. Everyone received the money as promised, and you have truly tried to change our lives for the better. I appreciate how you follow up to see how we have used the money, helping us focus on the goals we set for ourselves. This guidance has allowed us to improve our lives in meaningful ways. However, on the weakness side, I believe it is important to educate people and help them develop skills. Advising the community to invest in assets rather than liabilities would be beneficial, as liabilities do not help us grow. Additionally, providing training focused on prioritizing assets like livestock would make a positive impact, and encouraging people to avoid spending money on alcohol would lead to better financial decisions.

As a farmer primarily focused on growing beans, I have felt the impact of climate change as seasons become increasingly unpredictable. To adapt to these changes, I decided to shift my focus from crop farming to livestock farming. I spent $350 on a poultry incubator, which will help me raise chicks and improve my production in the future. Previously, I had reared poultry, but during a drought, all my birds perished, leaving me without a source of income. With this new incubator, I plan to purchase chicks with my next cash transfer, ensuring a more sustainable livelihood.Furthermore, I used the remaining $100 to lease land and plant beans for food security. I chose to grow beans because the upcoming months are likely to be dry, and having a stable food supply is essential for my family. This approach will help me reduce food costs and ensure that my family has enough to eat. With two children to support and a wife who manages the household, it's crucial for me to provide for them through my farming efforts. Although I have tried looking for employment, job opportunities are scarce, so I have opted to focus on farming instead. I am committed to making this shift in my agricultural practices work for my family. I feel hopeful about the future, believing that these investments will lead to a more secure and prosperous life for all of us.

I was on my farm weeding when I heard a message notification on my phone. Curious, I checked it and saw that I had received my transfer from GiveDirectly. Immediately, I felt a wave of happiness because I knew this transfer would make my project of buying a cow a reality. I could already see my plan taking shape, and the sense of excitement was overwhelming.

GiveDirectly’s transfer has empowered me in terms of development. With the cash, I was able to buy livestock (sheep and a cow). Although I later sold the cow to raise fees for my nephew, it allowed him to join college. Meanwhile, my sheep will continue to help me as they multiply, providing future financial support. Knowing I am expecting another transfer, I feel hopeful because I plan to advance my agriculture by starting poultry farming, something I’ve always wanted to do. This shift from crop farming, due to the frequent floods, will help me secure a more stable and reliable source of income for my family.

I used my first transfer to buy livestock—specifically, two sheep, one for $30 and another for $16, and a cow for $140. I chose to invest in livestock because they are assets that I can sell in the future, providing financial support when needed. Two weeks ago, my nephew was joining college. I had supported him through high school, but I didn’t have the money to pay for his college fees. I had hoped to raise it, but unfortunately, I was unable to. So, I sold the cow for $200 to help cover the fees. My brother doesn’t have a job, and his son is passionate about animal health. He did well in high school despite many challenges, and now he’s pursuing a career in animal health. This motivates me because, through his education, he will become self-sufficient, and our family will benefit in the long run.