"My goal for the next year and beyond is to establish a large livestock-rearing project. I have already started this journey with my previous transfers by purchasing a few poultry. My main objective is to diversify my livestock by including cows, which will be beneficial for plowing land, eliminating the need for hiring the services from neighbors. To achieve this, I plan to allocate a larger portion of my monthly transfers of around $30, to save up for a cow that costs $170 to start me off."

"Since January, I've been part of a savings group where we each contribute a minimum of $10 monthly, with the intention of distributing the accumulated savings at year-end. My primary objective is to continue with the savings aiming to accumulate enough to purchase a cow by year's end. This investment, which typically costs between $20 to $25, is strategic, as I foresee its utility in providing financial security during challenging times ahead."

"Initially, my ambition was to pursue livestock farming, specifically focusing on raising cows. However, due to the severe weather conditions prevalent in our region, cows are vulnerable to drought and perish quickly. After careful consideration, I have decided to pivot my livestock endeavors towards goats and chickens, as they exhibit better resilience to drought. Consequently, I intend to allocate half of my forthcoming transfers towards purchasing goats and chickens, with the expectation that they will breed and provide a valuable resource during times of financial need. The remaining half I plan to save in a bank, envisioning the opportunity to establish my own butcher shop and cultivate a successful business in the future."

"As a livestock farmer, I am excited about the future and what I hope to accomplish in the coming year and beyond. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I now have 13 sheep, and my goal is to grow my herd even more. Once I have six rams, I plan to exchange them for a dairy cow. This will be a great investment for my family, providing us with milk and an additional source of income. A dairy cow will not only improve our nutrition but also offer financial stability."

"My goal this year and beyond is to invest heavily in purchasing livestock. Livestock investment is very profitable for me, especially because goats multiply over time, helping to grow the herd. Once this happens, I will have the opportunity to sell some and reinvest the money in purchasing a dairy cow or a bull to help with tilling my land. I am very happy and appreciate the financial support I have received so far, which has greatly improved the quality of life for me and my family."

"Two years ago, before being enrolled in the program, I worked as a casual laborer digging up tree stumps, burning them, and making charcoal for sale. This job was labor-intensive with very little return. With a family of eight members, I struggled to make ends meet, and often we lacked money to buy food, forcing us to sleep on empty stomachs. After receiving my first transfers two years ago, I made a bold decision to start a small business selling vegetables. I spent $68 from my transfers as starting capital to purchase the required stock. I am very happy that the business is picking up well, and the profits are currently helping me take care of my family. In addition to starting the business, I purchased a small goat for $23. This goat is a significant investment for the future. Once it multiplies, I plan to sell some and use the money to purchase a dairy cow, which is more profitable and valuable. I also paid $11 in school fees for five of my children, four are in primary school and the eldest is in secondary school. I am glad this payment ensured they stay in school and continue their education without interruptions. I am very grateful for the financial support from the transfers. The quality of my life has improved, and I no longer sell charcoal as I am now focused on growing my business and earning a good income from it."

"Farming is a passion that runs deep in me. Four months ago, I sowed boma Rhodes grass on my 0.5-acre piece of land to earn income for my family of ten. I was excited three weeks ago when it rained, and now the grass is sprouting well. My area, Meisori sub-location, often experiences adverse drought, and I was afraid that if it continued, the grass might dry up. Hopefully, I will harvest it in a month's time, sell the seeds, and leave the hay for my cows to feed on. This brings me hope that my efforts will pay off and provide financial support for my family."

"I'm setting aside money from my transfers to purchase building materials for expanding my cramped one-room house into a two-room dwelling. It's a significant improvement I've been longing for. Progress has been made as I've already acquired 20 iron sheets, completing that phase of the project. Now, I'm ready to move forward with the next step which is buying building poles and eventually complete the house extension. Thereafter, my ultimate goal is to eventually venture into livestock farming and purchase goats with my transfers, anticipating they'll multiply, allowing me to trade them for cows."

"With the savings from our savings group, I aim to purchase three goats, hoping they'll breed and increase in number. My plan is to eventually exchange them for cows down the line. When my children enter higher education, I may be able to sell the cows to finance their schooling."

"Upon receiving the transfers, it was time for me to upgrade my house. I had always feared that the clay-brick walls would not hold for too long because of the heavy rains that could ruin them. So to protect them, I resolved to plaster around them and paint them to make the house look more appealing as well. All this work would not have been possible with my business of selling tap water, which earns me at most $50 per month. So the cash transfers came just in time to help me achieve this goal. I spent $350 to buy 35 bags of cement and 3 bags of white powder for the painting. I also bought two goats and a cow for $150. By owning goats, I can let them reproduce, and in the future, I can sell them to cover urgent needs like food, especially when I am stuck financially. I could never be happier for the opportunity to invest in my future, and I am happy that Give Directly gave me that chance. I also used the remaining amount of funds to buy food because my household had started running out of food. At least having food gave me peace of mind to continue working towards repairing my house because now I had enough to eat."