"Upon receiving my transfer from GiveDirectly, I embarked on a transformative journey for my farm. With an investment of $400, I fenced my land. I had never considered fencing before, been prioritizing my six children's education. The primary purpose of the fence was to safeguard my flourishing mango orchard. I have devoted substantial effort to cultivating these mangoes and plan to expand the orchard further. Farming has been a joint venture with my husband. We've faced challenges, notably a severe drought that severely affected our livestock, and heartbreaking losses to banditry, which claimed our cows and goats. These losses deeply impacted our farming livelihood. We practice crop production, relying on irrigation, as the river nearby is seasonal. This dependence has drawbacks, as there are years, sometimes stretching up to five when we don't reap any harvest. The uncertainty of crop production has been a constant challenge. With the remaining $50 from the transfer, I addressed our immediate concern – food scarcity. This decision ensured that while we strive for long-term sustainability through farming, our immediate needs, particularly nutrition, were not overlooked. Despite the challenges, we remain committed to our farming life, continuously adapting and striving for a better future for our family."

"OWNING A COW, AND THE GREAT JOY AND UNITY IN MY FAMILY THAT HAD NEVER BEEN BEFORE"

"This year, my main goal is to take good care of my cow and goats. I hope to see them multiply, and the thought of achieving this brings me joy. The growth in their numbers is not just about having more animals; it represents a solution to my problems. With their increase, I can sell some and use the income to address various needs, including the education of my children. It's a simple yet meaningful plan that holds the promise of a better future for me and my family."

"In the coming years and beyond, I have two main goals that I am determined to accomplish. Firstly, I aim to build a one-bedroom home, providing sufficient space for myself, my children, and any potential visitors. This is essential for our comfort and well-being, and it would create a more stable living environment for my family. Secondly, I aspire to purchase a cow. Beyond the benefits of having a steady supply of milk for my family, I see the cow as an investment. Selling the surplus milk will contribute to my children's school fees, ensuring they have access to education. This dual-purpose approach aligns with my desire to improve our living conditions and secure a better future for my children through education. These goals represent important steps towards a more comfortable and sustainable life for my family."

"I wanted to have a cow for a long time, especially for milk and breeding. I am genuinely grateful that the transfer enabled me to realize this dream, and I invested $150 to purchase the cow. The modest earnings from my work on my neighbour's farm, typically around $2 per day, made it challenging to save up for such a significant purchase. However, the transfer made it possible, bringing happiness as I now own a cow with the hope of milk production. Beyond domestic use, the cow holds the potential for additional income through the sale of offspring. This income will be crucial for supporting the education of my three children—two in secondary school and one in university. I used an additional $200 to make partial payments towards their school fee arrears. While the fees are not fully cleared, this contribution ensures that my children can continue their education without disruption, with plans to settle the remaining balance with the next transfer. Anticipating an improvement in living conditions, I allocated $60 to purchase five iron sheets. The goal is to construct a two-roomed iron sheet house to replace the small and outdated hut I currently reside in. Construction plans are set to commence upon receiving the third transfer. I used the remaining funds to secure food for my family, ensuring their immediate needs were met"

"In the approaching months, my primary objective is to provide financial support to my wife by covering her school fees. The culmination of her two-year course holds the promise of substantial benefits for our family. I eagerly anticipate witnessing her undertake her examinations and acquire the essential certifications to enhance her employment prospects. I express profound gratitude for the invaluable assistance provided by the transfers, which not only facilitated my college completion but also enabled me to procure sustenance for my young family and invest in the acquisition of two cows."

"I WAS AT HOME DOING HOUSE CHORES, WHEN I SAW A MESSAGE I FELT SO OVER JOYED. THE FIRST THING I THOUGHT OF WAS GETTING A COW"

"Now that I have a good start with some goats, my big goal is to add a cow to my little animal family. I want to grow my herd of livestock because it means more possibilities for me and my family. A cow can provide us with milk and even more income opportunities. With hard work and the support I got from GiveDirectly, I'm looking forward to making this dream a reality and creating a better future for us all."

"I pay my grandchild's school fees of $45 because her mother used to provide for us, and I appreciate the investment in education. In our family of 10, which includes five grandchildren, my husband, and my two children, life took a turn when my husband retired from his carpentry job in Mombasa. With a vision for sustainability, I invested $160 in purchasing a cow, anticipating it to multiply and provide a source of income. Despite having goats, I chose not to buy more. Running a broom-selling business was my previous endeavor, but illness forced me to step away. Now, relying on my daughter, a hairdresser, and my two sons, who work as boda-boda riders in Kilifi, our family's financial support hinges on their efforts. Facing a water problem, I used the remainder of the money received from GiveDirectly to connect water pipes, ending our reliance on borrowed water from neighbors. Unfortunately, I would not help myself to fetch water because of my health challenge.."

"I AM GOING TO BUY A COW BECAUSE WE WANT TO BE TAKING MILK"