"Once I get more money I will purchase livestock, specifically goats and chickens. I prefer goats to cows because they are easy to maintain and, I can be able to look after them and also they can survive during dry seasons and they breed faster here. poultry rearing is also profitable since it needs less cost but yields maximum profit when they multiply. Ideally, I chose to perfect this because they have ready markets compared to other livestock keeping, and am sure this will help us in the future by reducing the cost of buying milk daily."

"I am optimistic that my chicken and goat that I bought and currently rearing will multiply so that I can sell them and utilize the money to venture into new farming. In Lamu, where I own a shamba, I've observed a growing interest in sesame cultivation among the locals, where some of them have confirmed that growing sesame is beneficial from the profits it makes from selling them . In order to support my family, I consequently wish to go into sesame cultivation.."

"In the coming year and beyond, my primary goal is to enclose my land with a chain-link fence, laying the groundwork for the establishment of a poultry farm. Currently, I sustain my income by purchasing chickens from local neighborhoods and selling them in nearby markets for a profit. To elevate this venture, I plan to utilize the savings I have set aside. These funds will play a pivotal role in expanding my business, enabling the purchase of fencing materials for securing the land and, subsequently, acquiring chickens to start the poultry project. The chain-link fence is not only a means of securing the property but also a crucial step towards creating a controlled and conducive environment for the successful development of the poultry farm."

"I received the transfer during a period of financial hardship, exacerbated by my reliance on subsistence farming for sustenance which has not been doing well due to inadequate rains. With no other support in my old age from my sons, I had to relocate to live with one of my daughters, who is also a subsistence farmer. The transfers I received were crucial, ensuring a constant food supply. I'm pleased to say I've never gone hungry, as a significant portion of the money was allocated to food. Additionally, I invested in new clothes ($6) and a chair ($5), significantly improving my quality of life. I also purchased three chickens, which, despite lacking a regular income, contribute to my wealth. As they multiply, they offer a potential solution to my ongoing financial needs."

"I mostly use the cash transfers for my children's tuition. Their school had outstanding debts that could have jeopardized their education, and since their father, who operates a motorcycle taxi, was struggling to settle these debts, I spent $31 on tuition fees. I am happy that one of them got to sit for their final primary school examinations without school fee struggles. Also, three of the kids had worn-out uniforms that could not be repaired anymore, so I used $18 to get them new ones. Additionally, I invested $25 in buying a goat and $8 in two chickens for future breeding. The plan is to let these animals reproduce, grow the herd, and sell the offspring to meet the children's needs. Finally, with the onset of the short rain season, $10 went into plowing the land for planting, and the rest covered our food expenses."

"I used to earn a livelihood as a charcoal seller, but unfortunately, I began experiencing ulcers, and the doctor advised me against engaging in strenuous work. Consequently, I turned to small-scale farming to make ends meet for my family of seven. With five children enrolled in school, covering their educational expenses has posed a significant challenge, especially since my husband, who is employed as an artisan, is unable to contribute to these costs. Nevertheless, I am grateful that the transfers have lightened this financial burden. I allocated $91 specifically for school fees, as my son, on the verge of sitting his final exams, had been sent home due to a lack of funds. This allocation enabled him to resume his studies without further interruption. The remaining $11 was utilized to purchase two chickens, which I plan to keep for future use. I extend my gratitude to GiveDirectly for providing hope to my family, particularly in easing the financial strain associated with school fees."

"My objective is to expand my livestock holdings, particularly by focusing on acquiring more goats and chickens. Currently, I have successfully obtained three goats and a number of chickens that I am raising. Given my lack of a stable income, I view the ownership of livestock as a promising investment that holds the potential for substantial returns in the coming years. The multiplication of these animals allows me the opportunity to sell them, providing a reliable means to address my financial needs."

"My wife and I are both subsistence farmers, cultivating maize and beans primarily for our own consumption. In the past, we faced challenging years marked by persistent drought, making our lives exceedingly difficult. Affording our children's education and even securing enough food was a constant struggle. However, since GiveDirectly initiated its monthly transfers, our circumstances have significantly improved. I can now cover school fees, invest in livestock, and complete the construction of our house. I allocated $64 to purchase three chickens and a goat, which I plan to raise to maturity. Additionally, $19 was used to acquire cement and other building materials necessary for the house construction. Another $15 was directed towards settling a pending school fee debt for my son in secondary school, ensuring an uninterrupted education. The remaining funds were utilized to purchase food for our family, as we were facing shortages. I am immensely thankful to GiveDirectly for providing hope and support during these challenging times."

"Relying on farming as my primary source of income, I've found that it often falls short of meeting my needs. Previously, my husband and I struggled to make ends meet, resorting to the physically demanding work of clearing tree stumps and selling charcoal. The support from GiveDirectly has been a lifeline, enabling me to invest in livestock and construct a new, safer house. With my children grown, except for one still in need of financial assistance for school fees, I allocated $18 from the transfers to settle an outstanding school debt for him. Additionally, $44 was used to purchase food when supplies were running low. Another $16 was invested in buying chickens, which I plan to raise and sell at a profit. The remaining $24 was directed towards purchasing medication for my grandchild, who fell ill and required urgent medical attention. I am content with the progress we have made so far, and I am grateful for the positive impact of GiveDirectly in our lives."

"Due to my advanced age, I am no longer able to engage in strenuous work as I once did, relying instead on the support of my grown children. I engage in subsistence farming on a smaller scale to provide food for my family. Life was challenging in the past, marked by the inability to afford basic necessities. I am grateful to GiveDirectly for their monthly transfers, providing us with a consistent source of income for purchasing both food and livestock. I have allocated the entire $102 received from these transfers to acquire livestock— an investment comprising four chickens, a goat, and a cow. These animals, manageable in terms of care, are intended to be raised to maturity, and I plan to sell them if the need arises. This, to me, represents a worthwhile investment, and I appreciate GiveDirectly for providing us the opportunity to positively transform our lives."