In the coming years, my focus is set on the expansion of our goat-rearing venture. I am committed to ensuring that our goats are not only well-fed but also receive prompt medical attention whenever they fall ill. The goal is to create a healthier and more robust herd. Additionally, I have plans to increase the number of goats from the current five that we have. This strategic expansion aligns with the pivotal role these goats play in supporting our family, particularly in covering the costs of our children's school fees through the proceeds from their sales. It is a forward-looking approach that recognizes the economic value of goat rearing and its direct impact on securing our children's education, fostering a sense of hope and anticipation.

What truly stood out for me in my experience with GD is the sense of freedom it provides in the enrollment process. The fact that we were given the choice to decide whether to enrol or not speaks volumes about the program's respect for individuals. Moreover, equally appealing is the flexibility to withdraw from the program at any time, a straightforward process made possible by a simple call to the customer care number. This level of control and convenience deserves a big thumbs up, as it empowers individuals to make decisions that align with their needs and preferences, contributing to a positive and user-friendly experience.

I allocated $300 from the transfer to complete the fencing of my two-acre property with chain link. The construction of this permanent barrier had been initiated with the second transfer, but unfortunately, it couldn't be finished due to a shortage of funds. The $300 covered the purchase of nine rolls of chain link and the associated labor costs. Reflecting on the positive outcomes of this investment, there's a deep sense of gratitude for the opportune timing. I seized the current rains to plant beans and paw paw trees, and the fencing has already proven effective in safeguarding my crops, keeping them safe from the reach of livestock, and protecting against unwanted intrusions. This brings a profound sense of relief and optimism for a more bountiful harvest compared to the vulnerable pre-fencing period. The remaining funds were carefully directed towards acquiring food for my family of eight, which comprises my spouse, six children, and myself. This ensures that our family won't grapple with hunger in the near future. Considering the financial constraints stemming from both my husband's income as a tour guide and my earnings from selling fruits and vegetables, it becomes a heartfelt decision to prioritize sustenance over other pressing needs like school fees

In the upcoming year and beyond, my main goal will be to enhance my expertise and experience in farming. My ultimate objective is to begin by fencing my land and subsequently focus on expanding my farming activities, particularly in the cultivation of fruits, beans, and maize. I am brimming with optimism and determination that all of this is achievable, as I plan to sell some of the goats I currently have and reinvest the proceeds into farming. I am thankful for the achievements I have already attained, and I eagerly anticipate the future with a deep sense of gratitude and excitement.

GiveDirectly has had an incredible impact on our living standards. It provided us with the freedom to use our funds as we saw fit, as long as it complied with the law. They also obtained our consent before enrolling us. Throughout my interactions with the staff and the program, I did not come across any aspects that needed to be changed or improved.

My family consists of eight members, including my husband, our six children, and myself. My husband is employed as a tour guide, while I support our family by selling fruits and vegetables. Upon receiving funds from GiveDirectly, I viewed it as an opportunity to invest in securing my land through fencing and later implementing an irrigation system since it is situated near a river. Fencing will safeguard my land from intruders while I am away. Consequently, I decided to save $350, which I plan to combine with my third transfer to execute these plans. I then spent the remaining $100, using $60 to purchase food items and $40 for buying clothes. Finally, I can see a ray of hope on the horizon, as all of this was previously unattainable due to financial limitations. The meager income we generated was largely allocated to school fees and essential food supplies.

It was around 3:00 pm in the afternoon, and I had just finished tilling my land. The scorching sun was making it difficult to continue working, so I decided to take a break with my three children under a tree. We were all feeling very hungry as we hadn't had any food since early in the morning. We had to save the little flour we had for the evening meal. My phone was lying nearby, and suddenly, I received an SMS. It was rare for me to receive messages, so I quickly checked to see who it was from. To my immense joy, I realized that I had received the money from GD. This was a huge relief because I knew that my children would not have to go hungry again. I made plans to travel to the nearest town the following morning to buy food for my family.

I am delighted to say that my life has improved significantly now that I have enough food to sustain my family for two months, ensuring that my children will not have to skip meals again. This newfound food security has positively impacted my small business, as I can now focus on saving more of the income generated from it. Previously, my business would face disruptions because I had to use all the earnings, including the capital, to meet basic needs like food. With the transfers from GD, I no longer face such challenges, and my business is flourishing as a result. This financial stability allows me to plan for the future and invest in the growth of my business, bringing greater prosperity to my family.

I used the entire amount of $200 to purchase food, including two sacks of maize worth $150 and other food stuff i.e sugar. Both my spouse and I made this decision to safeguard our children from hunger, especially given the irregular nature of our income sources. I run a small grocery business that yields a modest income of approximately $1 per day, and my spouse occasionally engages in casual construction work, which can be sporadic and infrequent, sometimes happening once a month. By investing the money in food, we aimed to ensure food security for our family of six children, prioritizing their well-being and nourishment during this tough economic times.