"Over the next year, my intention is to acquire a cow, establishing it as a vital income source. Following the cow's birthing, I will engage in milk production and sales, thereby generating revenue to meet my personal requirements. I am exceedingly content with the financial assistance I have received thus far from Give Directly."

"My main goal for the coming year is to expand my livestock rearing business. I intend to exchange these goats for cows, thus elevating and expanding my income generation cycle. With this I will have the ability to provide for my family with ease. My children's education will be catered for. This support has contributed to our household well being."

"There's a big difference now in my family, my children have beddings and clothes. For a long time as a family we had not acquired any new clothes. we had a dream for a cow, but it was not possible until I got cash that enabled me to have it."

"We now have a household it (a cow) that can be sold in case we happen to get an emergency"

"Receiving $450 from GiveDirectly marked a turning point in my life. With this significant amount, I allocated the funds to address various pressing needs. First, I spent $117.5 on food. Securing food has always been a challenge, as we rely on casual jobs and small-scale farming. We depend on rainfed agriculture since accessing water for irrigation is difficult due to the distance from a water source. We focus on short-season crops, as these are the only ones we can grow with certainty, provided we time them right. Living on the border has its own set of challenges. Our neighboring community once stole seven cows and thirty goats, a significant blow to our livelihood. My husband and I work together in farming to support our family of 11. We have nine children, three of whom have completed higher studies, while the rest are still in school. The payment of school fees has always felt like an unattainable dream. However, with the funds from GiveDirectly, I allocated $232.5 for this purpose. The relief and gratitude I felt are indescribable. I thank God for this incredible assistance. With the festive season, I also wanted to bring some joy to my family. Therefore, I spent $100 on clothes for the Christmas holiday. I extend my heartfelt thanks to GiveDirectly. Their support provided immediate and instilled a sense of hope and stability in our lives, for which we are grateful."

"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"