"In my village, we endured a prolonged drought that significantly impacted our sources of livelihood. To sustain my family of seven during this challenging period, I resorted to the laborious task of burning and selling charcoal. Fortunately, with the arrival of ongoing rains, the situation has markedly improved. I transitioned to farming and poultry keeping as alternative income-generating activities and I am happy to report that I currently have a flock of forty chickens and ducks. Allocating $68, I invested in two goats, viewing them as assets for future financial support, particularly for upcoming school fees when the term resumes. The remaining $34 was dedicated to obtaining essential treatment for my differently-abled child, and I am grateful for the notable improvement in his well-being. I am grateful for the positive transformation in my life, a change facilitated by GiveDirectly."

"We started a merry go round group with other beneficiaries with an aim of using the money that one receives in lump sum to do something tangible in our lives. We contribute $ 20 every month and with my recent transfers, I used $ 60 to pay for my contribution. When my turn comes, I'll use it to pay school fees for my children and to purchase new beddings majorly a bed and mattress. Using the remaining amount, $ 38, I bought some detergents, food and other household necessities after using $ 4 to purchase a chicken for rearing. I have five children in different levels of education and paying their school fees with the money from our group will give me enough time to continue saving and looking for more money."

"I am the eldest among five siblings, and seven years ago, I had to discontinue my education in grade six due to financial constraints within my family. My father earns a living as a casual laborer, relying on tasks such as removing tree stumps and selling charcoal, while my mother fulfills the role of a housewife. The arrival of GiveDirectly in my village has been a significant blessing. Their support enabled me to establish a livestock business, and I've been able to contribute towards my siblings' education by assisting with their school fees. Utilizing the received transfers, I allocated $40 to purchase food to supplement our insufficient harvest. Additionally, I invested $48 in acquiring a goat and a chicken, which were added to my existing herd, strengthening my business. The remaining $14 was dedicated to settling a school fee debt for my siblings, who had been sent home due to an outstanding balance. I am happy that this project has undeniably transformed my life, providing me with the freedom to pursue my aspirations."

"Over the next year, my goal is to sell my chickens and transition into raising goats. Goats thrive in our area, presenting a promising venture for me. The decision is rooted in the recognition of the favorable conditions for goat farming, anticipating both personal benefits and economic sustainability. By diversifying into goat rearing, I aim to tap into the agricultural potential of our region, capitalizing on the resilience and productivity of goats. This aligns to my goal of cultivating a sustainable and profitable agricultural enterprise."

"A substantial part of my recent cash transfer, approximately $26, was dedicated to realizing a long-cherished dream: owning livestock. With this money, I acquired three chickens and a goat, animals I had yearned to have for a considerable time. As someone without a job and dependent on my husband's subsistence farming, financial constraints always prevented me from fulfilling this desire. Now, with these thoughtful additions to my household, there's a renewed sense of hope and security. I believe that having these animals will not only bring joy to our home but also serve as a means to tackle any unforeseen emergencies that might arise. The remaining funds were wisely allocated to address other pressing needs. I purchased clothes worth $5 for my seven children, who had been wearing tattered clothes, making it challenging for them to interact with their friends. The transformation in their appearance has brought a newfound joy, and they can now confidently engage with their peers. Lastly, with the remaining $3.7, I secured food for our family of nine. This has been a beacon of hope, especially in times of constant famine. The unconditional cash transfer has not just met our immediate needs but has also planted seeds of optimism for a more secure and stable future."

"In the coming year, my aspiration is to establish a chicken butchery, expanding my entrepreneurial ventures. This venture will serve as a platform to market and sell the chickens I raise, thereby augmenting my income beyond the profits generated from poultry farming. The vision is not only to enhance financial sustainability but also to contribute to the local community by providing quality poultry products. By diversifying my business, I aim to create a more robust and resilient source of income, fostering economic growth and sustainability."

"In the coming year, my goal is to construct a secure chicken coop to provide a safe haven for my chickens and chicks when I am not at home. I have encountered numerous challenges, such as theft and attacks by stray dogs and other animals in the surrounding bushes. The chicken coop is crucial for ensuring the safety of my poultry, especially on Sundays when I attend church and the chickens won't be free-ranging. This initiative aims to mitigate the risks posed by external threats, creating a protected environment for my chickens and enhancing their overall well-being."

"From the recent transfers, I used $10 to buy two chickens and $25 to purchase a goat. My intention is for them to reproduce so that after the cash transfers end, I can have a source of funds for my needs. Due to the heavy continuous rains, my house was on the verge of collapsing. I allocated $15 to buy building poles to repair the part of the walls that were collapsing. Additionally, I repaid a debt of $5 to my neighbor, as I had borrowed money from her to go to the hospital when I was sick. From previous transfers, I contributed $20 to my merry-go-round club. My goal in participating in the group is to accumulate enough money to buy a new bed and mattress. Currently, I sleep on a sisal-twined bed, which is uncomfortable, and I wake up fatigued every day. The remaining $27 was used to buy food. My son, who relies on charcoal making, is the sole provider for his family of three children and me. I am grateful that I can now confidently contribute to buying food and relieving him of the burden."

"My family relies on my nephew for provisions, as he sustains his family of three children through charcoal-making. I actively participated in a merry-go-round club that I joined when I started receiving cash transfers, contributing $10 each month. Over the past three transfers, I have saved a total of $30. My goal is to utilize my share of the cash to purchase a wooden bed. Currently, I am using a sisal-twined bed with deteriorating ropes. Securing sisal for a new bed has become challenging due to the plant's scarcity from the prolonged drought. This is why I want to obtain a wooden bed instead. Additionally, I set aside $48 for household expenses, covering items like toiletries and food. Allocating $15, I had half an acre of my land plowed in preparation for planting, and I'm pleased that the maize plants are now in the flowering stage. I also invested $3 in purchasing a chicken for rearing. Clearing outstanding school debts for my two children before the term ended was essential, and I used $6 for this purpose."

"In the coming year and beyond, I plan to continue investing in livestock. While I initially considered buying chickens, their vulnerability to diseases caused by the cold weather has led me to prioritize goats. My goal is to acquire three female goats that can reproduce. Over time, I plan to sell the offspring to meet my family's needs and support the education of my two children. In the future, even after the cash transfers have ceased, I will not have to go back to making charcoal as the goats will be part of my income sources."