In the coming years and beyond, I want to set my focus on starting a shop business in my village. I believe this is a great business opportunity, as I have noticed many of my fellow villagers walking long distances to the nearest center just to purchase household items. I see a chance to not only generate income for myself but also to serve my community by saving them valuable time and energy they spend on those long walks. To kickstart this venture, I am planning to sell my 10 goats at $60 each and use the proceeds as the initial capital for the shop. It's a leap of faith, but I firmly believe that with dedication and hard work, this business will generate income to enable me to provide for my family's needs.

One of the aspects I truly loved about GD was the enrollment process, especially the registration stage. The officers involved took the time to explain everything thoroughly about the transfers, imparting valuable knowledge that inspired us to make the most of this opportunity for our future. Their guidance was both informative and motivational, encouraging us to utilize the funds in a manner that would have a positive impact on our lives. Additionally, I was impressed with the practical training they provided on navigating through Mpesa. Learning how to withdraw funds and check balances using this digital platform was incredibly useful and it enabled most of us to withdraw our money successfully without involving third parties as this might have increased vulnerability to thefts.

Previously, I had rented 1.5 acres of land using the second transfer, and I was eagerly anticipating the third transfer to begin maize farming. Once I received the funds, I immediately allocated $300 to the tilling of the land and purchased essential farm inputs like maize seeds and fertilizers. I utilized the remaining $150 to buy top dressers for the farm and cover the daily irrigation costs. As we are speaking, I am thrilled to report that the maize crop is thriving, and I am optimistic about a successful harvest. I am anticipating around 25 sacks of maize, which will serve as a significant source of food for my family of eight. Considering the high purchase price of maize, having a substantial stock will safeguard me from the impact of rising prices. I firmly believe that this harvest will last until the next harvest comes next year, ensuring food security for my family during that period. This successful venture into maize farming brings hope and stability to our household.

Given the prevailing economic conditions, I have been exerting extra effort to generate additional income streams for my family. Thus far, farming has been the primary pursuit that I intend to intensify in the years ahead. Despite the harshness of drought and the scarcity of dependable rainfall, I recognize the value of diversifying the crops I cultivate. This approach proves particularly beneficial with short-season crops that can thrive with minimal rainfall. Presently, I am diligently tending to my maize farm, eagerly anticipating a bountiful harvest that will kickstart the future expansion of my farming activities.

GiveDirectly has been instrumental in greatly supporting us in our day-to-day endeavors through the transfers we have received thus far. It is truly remarkable how these funds have pushed our projects forward. I am grateful for the support and eagerly hope that it will be extended to other villages facing the same poverty we experienced prior to receiving this aid.

In addition to our focus on livestock farming, subsistence farming is a widespread practice in our community, providing both food for consumption and surplus for sale. Upon receiving the second transfer from GiveDirectly, I took several steps to enhance our farming activities. I leased an acre of land for $50, invested $58 in land preparation, and promptly planted maize once the land was ready. With the intermittent rainfall we've been receiving, I am optimistic about achieving a better harvest at the end of the season. Furthermore, I purchased a sack of maize for $50, which continues to sustain my family of three. Recognizing the importance of communication, especially as I commute daily to work in town, I realized that my wife needed a phone as well. Hence, I spent $100 to purchase a new phone for her, facilitating easier and more convenient communication. Additionally, I used $157 to buy construction materials, as we plan to expand our current house in anticipation of our growing family. To ensure the smooth management of farming activities and other household expenses, I saved the remaining $50 from the transfer.

I have a vivid memory of being at my workplace, engrossed in my daily tasks, when I received news of my transfer. During my break, while scrolling through my phone, I stumbled upon a text message that informed me about receiving funds from GiveDirectly. This was the most delightful news I had received in a while, and it was so uplifting that I momentarily forgot about my exhaustion. I was elated because I knew that I could finally fulfill my aspiration of owning a dairy goat. Without delay, I called my wife and shared the good tidings with her, and she too was overjoyed and appreciative. The transfer brought immense joy into my life, and for that, we remain deeply grateful.

My daily life has undergone a significant transformation as I have managed to realize my goals within a short timeframe. With the transfer I received, I was able to purchase goats, a feat that seemed insurmountable due to my financial limitations. It is genuinely a dream come true, and the thought of being a goat owner fills me with happiness and contentment. I am deeply grateful for the support that has elevated our standard of living.

For a long time, I have nurtured a lifelong aspiration to start a dairy goat project, which I believed would improve my financial standing. I earn a living by working in a nearby hotel, taking up casual jobs. I am married and blessed with a child. When we received our transfers, my primary objective was to purchase five goats worth $190, and use the rest of the funds to buy essential food items. However, due to my financial limitations, this seemed like an uphill task before. I am immensely grateful and fulfilled to have achieved so much with the help of the transfer.