"In the coming year, I plan to start a video business where people can gather to watch football. I learned the necessary skills from a friend and now have experience. I’ve already secured a business premise for this venture, but I still need to buy the equipment, finish some renovations, and add benches for seating. I’ve been doing casual jobs, which are ending soon, and I was able to use part of that income to renovate some areas, though some work remains to be completed over the next two months. I haven’t yet done a full cost estimate for the project setup though I am planning to do so very soon. Additionally, I’d like to expand goats rearing project as I already have some through the transfers, and to start purchasing chickens as part of my second business plan. I currently have 19 goats but haven’t yet started buying chickens. Once I successfully implement these two ideas, I’m confident that I’ll achieve financial stability to support my family even after the transfers end."

"I used my recent transfer to buy $30 worth of food for my family. Since we’re experiencing drought, any income we get goes mainly toward food and water, as these are our top priorities. I also have two school-going children, so I purchased a few clothes and a pair of shoes for each of them, totaling $15. Additionally, I spent $4 on getting my hair done to look presentable. We have a savings group, so I contributed $10 to it. I also bought two chickens for $10 to add to my poultry project. With the remaining funds, I purchased one goat for $15 and used the last $5 to pay off part of a loan I took to buy a phone on installment."

"In the coming year and beyond, I want to diversify my investment by expanding my livestock. Right now, I have over 50 chickens, and my goal is to sell them as they grow in numbers to buy more livestock. I already have seven goats and two cows, but I aim to add even more to ensure my family's future is secure. Investing in livestock will give me a stable source of income and provide a safety net for my family. This plan will help us thrive in the long term, giving me peace of mind about our future."

"The biggest differences since receiving cash from GiveDirectly have been in my comfort, independence, and security. Firstly, having a comfortable bed and mattress has made a world of difference. Before, I was sleeping on an uncomfortable makeshift bed, but now I look forward to bedtime each night, knowing I’ll wake up feeling happy and well-rested. This simple change has improved my overall well-being and mood each day. Secondly, having enough food at home has given me a sense of independence. As an elderly person, it’s difficult for me to go out and earn money. Now, I don’t have to rely as heavily on my children for food, which has brought me peace of mind. Lastly, strengthening my fence has enhanced the security of my home and my small poultry. I now feel safer, knowing my chickens are protected and that my home is secure. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I am happier, more self-reliant, and feel safer each day."

"I am unable to take on any job that demands my full attention because I need to care for my sick child. My child has epilepsy, and it’s important for me to be present. Consequently, I spend most of my time on childcare. I want to establish a business that I can manage from home, which will help me balance my household duties while allowing me to focus on my child. I've considered starting a chicken farming business. Additionally, I plan to use part of my funds to purchase more goats. My aim is to raise about 10 breeding goats, and along with the chickens, this will create a source of income for me. Once these projects are up and running, I will feel less stressed, even when my income ends, as I will have an investment to depend on. If I encounter financial difficulties, I can sell some of my livestock to generate money for my support instead of relying on relatives."

"After receiving my most recent transfers, I invested $84 to enhance both my plastic and vegetable businesses. I'm grateful for Give Directly, as I started out as just a farmer. Life was quite challenging before GiveDirectly came to our area, because our area suffers from drought, and there are seasons when we can't plant due to insufficient rain. Thanks to these transfers, I was able to start a business, and I have no regrets because it has significantly improved my life—my child no longer struggle to sleep as they did in the past. I also spent $44 on feed for my daughter and $4 to purchase two chickens for domestic rearing. I have a strong passion for poultry because I see it as a means of future financial security. Lastly, I allocated the remaining $10 to buy food for my family's consumption."

"I've always had a desire to pursue poultry farming, particularly raising chickens. Unfortunately, earlier this year, there was an outbreak of chicken disease in my area that wiped out all the poultry. As a result, I've decided to abandon the poultry project and focus on goats instead. I believe that goat farming presents a great business opportunity, as one mature goat can generate significant income. This investment will help me cover my children's school fees and other essential expenses while also providing support for my husband. Furthermore, I'm interested in starting a small fish business to complement the goat rearing project. To achieve these two goals, I plan to use my transfer to invest in them, and these are my objectives for the coming year and beyond."

"A few months ago, I developed some eye problems; they were very red and itchy, causing me sleepless nights. Since I had never experienced this before, I decided to visit the hospital for a thorough examination. After further checks, I discovered that I had some infections, and I spent $34 on medication. While I have not fully healed yet, I thank God for the support I've received through the transfers. I also used $24 to start a small kiosk business in the village, which has been running successfully. Thankfully, I am now making a good profit, allowing me to have my daily bread, thanks to the transfers I received a few months ago. Later, I purchased three chickens for $12, which I keep at home as assets I can rely on in case of emergencies. With the remaining $46 I primarily bought enough food for my family, which has sustained us for a while now. I feel more energetic, as it's rare for me to miss meals, and this has positively improved my health."

"I am currently employed as a motorcycle driver while my wife runs a small fried chicken business. With five school-aged children, we have to work diligently to generate enough income to support them. The assistance we receive from GiveDirectly has significantly reduced our financial strain, allowing us to have extra income for our family. Looking ahead to the next year and beyond, I have two main priorities to address. First, I aim to build a proper coop for my poultry. I started this project to prepare for when the transfers end, ensuring that I will have a sustainable investment that provides income during financial difficulties. Chickens reproduce quickly and have a strong market demand, which is why I chose to invest my transfers in this venture. I plan to continue using part of my transfers to purchase more chickens and expand my poultry farming. I am pleased to say that I already have ten chickens, which is a solid starting point. Additionally, I want to prioritize my children's education by allocating another portion of my transfer to cover their school fees, ensuring they receive the best possible education. As the saying goes, education is the key to success, and I want to make certain that my children are well-educated so they can support themselves and their families in the future."

"When I received the cash transfers, I used about $30 to pay for my son's school fees, as he is currently in Form 3. It's been a challenge to ensure he gets a good education, especially since I don't have a stable job and often rely on raising cattle for friends in exchange for a small payment, which barely covers our needs. As a result, my son was frequently sent out of class, which was very demotivating for him. However, since GiveDirectly came into my life, I have felt a sense of relief; it's now rare for him to be sent home because I usually send a portion of the transfers each month. Additionally, I spent $20 to buy a goat and $14 on a chicken, but unfortunately, the chicken died from a viral disease. I am hopeful that the goat will reproduce, and soon I will have a larger herd. I believe that with an increased herd size, I will be better able to meet my family's needs. Later, I used $18 to buy an iron sheet to renovate my house, as one part of it was leaking. I was glad to fix it, as this will prevent me from getting wet during the rainy season. I also spent $16 on spare parts to repair my bicycle, which has been incredibly helpful for transporting water from the dams to my home. With the remaining $4, I bought food for my family, which has been essential for us, and I truly appreciate it."