My strategy involves raising goats with the aim of eventually trading some of them for bulls as the goat population expands. These bulls will prove invaluable, particularly during the rainy season, as they can be used to plow my two-acre plot of land. Their presence will significantly lower farming expenses, making maize cultivation more affordable for me. I am immensely grateful for the financial aid provided through the transfers, as it has markedly improved my quality of life, bringing me great happiness and contentment.

I allocated a significant portion of my transfer funds towards acquiring three goats, amounting to $85. I'm pleased to note that the goat population has since expanded, totaling 21 goats presently. Prior to my enrollment in the program, I engaged in arduous labor tasks such as farm work and charcoal production from tree stumps. However, I have since transitioned away from these activities, focusing instead on subsistence farming and livestock rearing. Livestock prove to be a valuable investment as they provide a safety net; in times of emergency, I can sell some of them to meet immediate financial needs. Additionally, I allocated $7 to purchase bedding, ensuring comfort during the night. I also invested in a bag of cement to patch up holes that posed a threat from dangerous animals like snakes entering my house. Although the repairs are ongoing, I am content with the progress made thus far. Furthermore, I purchased one kilogram of maize flour and fish for $5 to sustain my family's nutritional needs. I am deeply appreciative of the financial support provided.

In the upcoming year, my primary objective is to restore my deteriorating house, which has fallen into a state of disrepair. The presence of numerous gaping holes in the wall corners has led to frequent snake invasions, creating a hazardous situation for my family. To rectify this pressing issue, I intend to allocate my forthcoming transfers towards the purchase of cement, enabling me to undertake the necessary repairs on the house. The prospect of resolving this problem fills me with immense joy, as it guarantees a safe and secure living environment for my family

GiveDirectly has undeniably transformed my life for the better. In the past, I relied on the strenuous and energy draining task of selling charcoal to make a living, a pursuit that posed health risks in various instances. My family often grappled with food shortages, and it was a constant challenge to provide for my family of three. Gratefully, the financial assistance we received has allowed me to shift my focus entirely towards farming and livestock rearing, a prospect I never thought possible. The acquisition of livestock has proven to be incredibly beneficial, providing a safety net for me in times of financial distress, as I can readily sell them for much needed income. With a portion of the funds, I invested $55 in acquiring two goats, which will be a valuable addition to my existing herd. Unfortunately, I fell ill and required urgent hospitalization for malaria treatment, which cost me $34. I'm pleased to report that I have now fully recovered and am in good health. The remaining $13 was wisely spent on replenishing our depleted food supplies. I am profoundly grateful for the invaluable support that GiveDirectly has extended to my family.

Food scarcity has been my biggest concern because farming was impossible owing to the drought that struck over the past few years. As a result, I spent the transfers mostly on food, allowing my children to eat healthily despite my financial difficulties. I'm grateful for the recent rains, which allowed me to plant all of my land. I'm expecting a bumper harvest this year, which will alleviate my family's food shortage. I will now be able to invest in animals, such as goats, on which I may fall back in the event of a financial need. So far, I've bought four goats, and I plan to buy more and raise them in the coming year and beyond.

I was previously doing subsistence farming, which could ensure food was adequate in my home. Since I was not spending a lot on food, it was easy to afford other necessities. However, farming became impossible after a prolonged drought that lasted nearly three years. This made it difficult to afford food and even other needs. After a long wait, it finally rained, and I was able to return to agriculture. I am glad the transfers came in handy, and I used a larger part of the money to plow my entire two acres. I am optimistic that I will have a good harvest that will ensure food security in my household. Also, when food is plentiful in my household, I will redirect the money I was spending on food to other projects, such as purchasing livestock. Aside from agriculture, I also used $50 of the recent transfers to purchase two goats that I am keeping on my homestead. I now own four goats that I acquired through the program. Owning goats will alleviate my financial stress because I do not have a source of income. In the event of a financial emergency, I can easily sell the goats and raise some money. Finally, I purchased foodstuffs such as maize flour to ensure that food was available on a daily basis for my family.

My plan is to buy livestock, particularly goats, and let them multiply as I could easily sell them in the future to raise funds for my household’s needs. Am motivated to use cash transfers to accomplish this goal because I have no reliable source of funds. Having already bought three goats using the previous transfers, I would be happy if the heard grew to at least five by the end of the year.

I have invested most of the three recent cash transfers in securing goats for rearing. Considering that I lack a reliable source of income, keeping livestock is the best activity I can practice to raise money for my family’s needs. I spent $27 from each of these transfers to buy a goat, right now I have three. I never thought I would own goats this sooner, luckily, Give Directly revived changed my narrative. I spent the remaining cash on food to boost the little in stock. At least, this ensured my son had something to eat as his father and I raised more money through our charcoal-making hustle. If it were not for the cash transfers, my family would have struggled with hunger as it used to be before. I am eternally grateful to Give Directly. 

Through the through the transfer that we have been receiving from the Organization you can clearly aee the changes that have been happening in our lives. Forr instance I was able to seek medical attention with the transfers and also managed to finally buy a goat which would not have been possible before, because I made small wages from burning and selling charcoal, which was hardly enough to cater for basic needs.

This happens to be my second transfer that I have received since I got enrolled into the program and I had always had the intentions to invest in growing my farm. Therefore with this recent transfers I decided to spend KES 2,600 in purchasing a goat. I remained with a balance of KES 400 which I ended up spending in the hospital because I had actually fallen quite ill at the time.

I remember the funds came quite a bit late when it was a bit nine in the night, and as soon as I heard thee notification i called my son to help me decipher the message since I personally could not read and that is when he informed me that the money had finally been sent out and I was over the moon because it was completely unexpected.

I am quite glad that through this funds I have managed to begin the process of investing more in growing my farm and buying farm animals, and even though I have started at quite done much I am positive that eventually through time and through the transfers I will manage to achieve my goal and make progress.

I had always intended to grow my farm by investing in buying more farm animals so that is the reason why as soon as I received the money I ended purchasing a goat worth KES 3000 which was the exact amount GiveDirectly had sent out. The entire reason of investing in farm animals was that I would allow them to breed and then eventually I would make sure that in case of any Financial strain I would manage to sell them and provide for my family.