"I bought a cow, and it's already giving us milk"

"After receiving $450 from GiveDirectly, I made several thoughtful investments to improve my family's life. First, I allocated $210 to fence my land, ensuring ample pasture for my livestock and securing their safety. This step not only protects our animals but also sets the foundation for their healthy growth. With $150, I purchased a cow, envisioning its offspring multiplying over time. This investment holds promise for our future sustainability, providing a steady source of income and resources. Recognizing the immediate need for food, I allocated $50 to purchase essential provisions. This ensured that our household was well-nourished during a time of scarcity. Moreover, I utilized $20 as a deposit to acquire Delight, a source of light that now illuminates our home at night. This simple yet impactful addition enhances the safety and comfort of my family, allowing us to navigate our evenings with ease and joy. Through strategic allocation of GiveDirectly's assistance, I've not only addressed pressing needs but also laid the groundwork for a brighter and more secure future for myself and my loved ones."

"Secondary school fees are expensive, and I have two children in Form One. The initial year of high school incurs higher expenses than subsequent years. This year, my focus is on their tuition fees, with the cash transfers proving helpful and alleviating the burden on my husband as the breadwinner. Starting next year, I plan to invest in buying livestock and constructing a house for my children. I feel sharing a sauce with them is becoming inappropriate as time goes. It would be more convenient if they had a separate area as they grow older. Additionally, I aim to continue raising goats; presently, I have eight. As they reproduce, I intend to sell them in the future and purchase a cow."

"When my wife, Emily, and I received our transfers, we saw an opportunity to invest in our family's future. We agreed to allocate the funds strategically to address various needs and improve our livelihood. One of our first decisions was to purchase an additional dairy cow for $250. With the aim of increasing our food supply, this investment would provide us with milk for nourishment and potentially surplus for sale. Recognizing the potential of our 1-acre piece of land, we allocated $70 to cultivate it, preparing the ground for cultivation. Additionally, we invested $40 in maize seeds to sow on this land, aiming to yield a harvest that would further contribute to our food security. Education remains a top priority for our family, so we dedicated $50 to cover school fees for our child in grade 10. Another $20 was spent on purchasing books, ensuring access to educational resources. The remainder of the funds were used to purchase food for our household. This aspect is crucial for sustaining our family of 11 and supporting our daily activities. Our family relies on our grocery business and Emily's hotel business to earn a living. These ventures not only contribute to our income but also play a vital role in providing for the food needs of our household. I am grateful the transfers boosted our financial status in addition to our current source of income."

"Since I received my second transfer from GiveDirectly, my life has changed. I spent all $450 on agriculture to purchase tomato seeds and prepare the farm to plant one hectare of tomatoes. Initially, I planned to buy a cow, but I decided to invest in tomatoes instead. They do well here, and I'm confident I'll make double the profit compared to buying a cow that might die in drought, leaving me with nothing. Life has been tough for me; I'm a single mother and was never married, so raising a family of six hasn't been easy. Before I received the cash for the first time, I depended on my daughter Mercy, who did casual labor on other people's farms so we could have at least one meal a day. She used to earn $3 per day, which wasn't enough for three meals. I appreciate GiveDirectly for their help. With my first transfer, I opened a small kiosk in my village to sell foodstuff. The profit I make from it helps me buy food, relieving Mercy of the burden of providing for us so she can focus on her two children."

"In the coming years, I have big dreams for my farm. I want to grow grass because I plan to start dairy farming. With the money I'll earn from my poultry farm, I hope to buy a dairy cow. I've already taken steps towards my goal. I used some of the money from GiveDirectly to buy a grass crusher machine. This machine will not only help me with my poultry farming but also prepare grass for my future dairy cows. I'm excited about the journey ahead and the opportunities it will bring for me and my family."

"Our receiving Givedirectly transfers has changed the holiday season for us. We have undergone a long drought period and our low earnings from casual jobs and unreliable businesses like charcoal making had made food a luxury. However being assured of receiving Givedirectly transfers made a difference over the holidays. I personally bought food supplies worth $24 for my family, I also got myself a cloth at $10. I understand that this transfers will come to an end some time in the future and I thought it well to secure mine and my families future. I got a loan of $300 which I used to buy a cow at $150 and goats at$50. I am now paying my loan with my monthly transfers and I have so far paid $60 from my January and February transfers."

"As the sun dipped low in the evening sky, casting long shadows across the land, I found myself in my neighbor's compound, engrossed in the simple task of fetching water. Suddenly, amidst the routine, the loud vibration of my phone startled me. Curiosity piqued, so I reached for it and discovered an Mpesa message from Segovia Technology. A rush of joy flooded over me as I realized the significance of the notification that I had received an unconditional cash transfer from GiveDirectly. Without hesitation, I called my husband, who was in town, to share the news. The excitement in his voice mirrored my own, as we both embraced the realization that our dreams were finally within reach. With this unexpected support, we could now fulfill our long-held aspiration of purchasing cows and goats, a prospect that filled our hearts with happiness and gratitude for the newfound opportunities ahead."

"Upon receiving the transfers, I immediately set to work on improving our living conditions and securing our future. With $200, I expanded our cramped one-room house to accommodate my family of two more comfortably. The previous living space was simply too small for us, and this expansion was long overdue. Additionally, I invested $150 in purchasing a dairy cow to add to our existing herd. Livestock rearing is our primary source of income, and expanding our herd with another cow will help increase our milk production and generate additional revenue for our family. The remaining portion of the transfers was allocated towards purchasing food for our household. Ensuring that we have enough food to sustain ourselves is crucial for our well-being and livelihoods. Overall, the transfers have been instrumental in improving our living conditions, expanding our livestock enterprise, and providing for our basic needs. I am grateful for the support we have received, and I am committed to making the most of these opportunities to build a better future for my family."

"I bought land, a cow and some construction materials. The remaining balance is for my upkeep"