"When I was promised money from GiveDirectly, I knew I would prioritize paying school fees for my children because it was the most pressing need at the time. This is because I have eight children, one of whom is in college, two in high school, and the remainder in primary school. Paying their school fees has been difficult due to the volatile market prices where I specialize in the animal trade and my wife sells vegetables. So, after receiving my second transfer, I paid $300 in school fees and then purchased a dairy cow to reduce the cost of buying milk. I used to own a cow, However, I was forced to sell it to pay for my children's school fees. I am overjoyed and satisfied with what I have accomplished in such a short period."

"When we got our transfer, one of our top priorities was to buy a dairy cow. This is because we had sold our only cow to pay off a loan that had been pending for a long time. It was difficult for us because we needed to buy milk on a daily basis but our sources of income were unstable. My husband is a motorcycle taxi driver, and I sell vegetables. Together we have five children. Therefore, we used $400 on a cow, and then later we used the remaining amount on buying foodstuffs and clothes. So far my life has been impacted in a short period of time and thus, I am forever grateful for the support."

"Recieving this money means a lot to me because i will be able to pay tuition for my 1 child who is at the university for 2 semesters at $973, I will also pay school fees for my 2 children who are in high school for 2 terms at $324. I will also use the part of of the money to buy 1 cow at $540 and this cow will give me approximately 5litres of milk for selling will earn me income of $2 per day and this money will help me to meet other basic needs of my family. The balance which is $35 will be used to buy food for my family which will cause a great impact in my life and family."

"I spent $300 on a cow that is currently 8 months in calf after receiving the second transfer. I had always relied on a friend's cow, which I had kept to provide milk for my family of five. I'm relieved that I'll soon have enough milk for both our household needs and surplus sales. In addition, I paid $150 in university tuition for my daughter. I used to rely on subsistence farming for a portion of her school fees, but due to the uncertainty of the harvest's quality, I sometimes struggled to keep her in school. I am glad GiveDirectly increased the payment, as it gives me more time to work while I save for the next term. In addition, I spent the remaining funds spent on household items such as food and clothing for my children."

"When I got the second transfer, I had construction going on in my kitchen. I still had to buy 14 iron sheets at $9 each, building poles, and other construction wood worth $100, and pay the workforce charges of $40. I am relieved to have a new kitchen that is more spacious and easier to clean. I also purchased a bullock for $200, which I intend to sell in the future to purchase a dairy cow. I currently milk a friend's cow for my children, and having my own will increase milk production while also providing the assurance of breeding to produce more offspring. With the remaining funds, I also purchased food and clothing for my family of five."

"Providing for my family of five has been difficult, especially during this drought season when all farm produce has been burned. We had been buying food from the market and milk from the village, both of which were very expensive. When I received the second transfer, I felt relieved. To reduce my daily milk purchases using at least $2, I spent $500 on a lactating dairy cow that produced enough milk for my family and a surplus to sell, giving us a daily income of at least $3. I then used the rest of the money to buy food for my family, which I am glad we did throughout the month."

"It has been a dream come true to begin raising livestock. As I lacked the resources to own my own, I used to be in awe of other people's livestock. I spent $280 on a cow and two goats after receiving the second transfer. I am now content with my investment in animals. For $120, I also purchased a mattress and a bed. I started out with a traditional bed that was damaged and hard to sleep on. I am content right now because my bed is cozy and comfortable. I then utilized the remaining money to purchase some food and kept the remainder for the family's maintenance."

"This money means survival and development for me and my family. It means I can purchase some land for about $833 and do some farming there. This means that I can have extra food that I can store and keep for future consumption so that we do not lack food again. Also, I plan on buying a cow which will cost me about $556 for purposely milk consumption. The milk will be taken by my family and this will enhance their nutrition and also will be security incase we ever get a challenge in future."

"Receiving this money means a lot us because we will. Be able to break down this current house and buy a permanent house. Buy a cow $402, buy a cow for milk and pay off some school fees for my baby class child $19, then also pay part school fee $32.23 for the 3 children in lower Primary."

"The challenge I am currently facing is that I have to work hard to put food on the table and also look for capital to start up a business because my husband is blind for now 5 years. This happened when he was diagnosed with high blood pressure and at the same time with diabetes disease. Before the incidence happen, he was a very hardworking herdsman with 4 cows. And he was able to sell off one cow and bought a piece of land where we are right now. I feel the burden of buying food , taking care of him that sometimes I am forced to lock him all alone in the house since there's no one to take care of him except me while I am away trying to raise some money for food and medication ."