"Upon receiving the transfers, I immediately set to work on improving our living conditions and securing our future. With $200, I expanded our cramped one-room house to accommodate my family of two more comfortably. The previous living space was simply too small for us, and this expansion was long overdue. Additionally, I invested $150 in purchasing a dairy cow to add to our existing herd. Livestock rearing is our primary source of income, and expanding our herd with another cow will help increase our milk production and generate additional revenue for our family. The remaining portion of the transfers was allocated towards purchasing food for our household. Ensuring that we have enough food to sustain ourselves is crucial for our well-being and livelihoods. Overall, the transfers have been instrumental in improving our living conditions, expanding our livestock enterprise, and providing for our basic needs. I am grateful for the support we have received, and I am committed to making the most of these opportunities to build a better future for my family."

"I bought land, a cow and some construction materials. The remaining balance is for my upkeep"

"Improving my house, solar system, and a cow"

"I aim to acquire more livestock, such as goats, poultry, and cows as they have proven to be valuable assets to me. Currently, I own over 20 birds, 8 cows, and some goats and sheep, which serve as my living assets and investments that I can rely on during financial difficulties. To increase my livestock, I plan to save a portion of my monthly transfers in our local savings group, and upon maturity, I will purchase more livestock and keep them. Owning these assets will help secure my children's education as I can sell livestock to pay their school fees. Also, I intend to sell milk from my cows to earn additional income."

"My husband does casual jobs earning little income at Nairobi and I do subsistence farming. The income caters for school fees for the children. I have five children and are all school. The family lives in a two room house which is not spacious and it leaks during rain season. Three children seek for shelter from neighbors since they are grown-up. This exposes them to risks. I will use $550 to build a two room house with iron sheets. This will change my reputation in the village. I will also use $300 to buy one cow as an investment. This will ensure sustainable source of income since I will be selling milk in the village and earn income."

"I had initially planned to purchase two cows with my share of the merry-go-round I joined last year, intending to enhance our farming capabilities, particularly for ploughing purposes. However, I was only able to acquire one due to the unexpected increase in market prices, costing me $185. Nonetheless, I am determined to procure the second cow with my upcoming share in June this year. Once both cows are in our possession, my family will be able to cultivate a larger portion of our vast, currently underutilized land, leading to higher yields. The surplus harvest will provide an additional source of income for us. Furthermore, the bulls will open up new business opportunities, such as offering plowing services to neighboring farmers who cannot afford tractor charges. Since bull-driven ploughs charge $5 less, they are highly preferred by locals in the region. Upon securing the second bull, I plan to invest in acquiring hairdressing skills using the transfers. With these skills, I aim to establish a salon that will also serve as a boutique, providing a diversified and sustainable source of income for the long term. This strategic approach ensures not only agricultural expansion but also the establishment of a thriving business venture, laying the foundation for financial stability and prosperity for my family."

"From the first transfer I received from GiveDirectly, I allocated some cash to agriculture, planting two hectares of maize. When I harvest, I will sell a portion of it and purchase a cow, something that will remind me of the unconditional cash. As my business grows, I will use the earnings to build myself a good house because the one I am living in now is not in good condition."

"My objective is to expand my livestock holdings, particularly by acquiring additional goats. Presently, I possess seven goats, all obtained through cash transfers. Upon their reproduction, my intention is to sell some and acquire cows. Subsequently, as the cattle multiply, I will liquidate a portion and utilize the proceeds to procure land. This land will serve as the foundation for constructing a home where I can reside with my children. I am deeply content and grateful for the financial assistance provided by these transfers thus far."

"My everyday goal revolves around ensuring that my child's education remains uninterrupted, ensuring timely payment of fees and providing all necessary school supplies without delay. However, my long-term aspirations extend to owning a substantial herd of livestock and expanding my grocery business. As the project's conclusion approaches, my priority is to achieve complete financial independence, supported by a stable income and lasting investments. To realize this, I plan to expand my grocery business by diversifying my stock and introducing new products that are in high demand within the community. Currently operating from my home, I envision constructing a centralized shop in the future to attract a broader customer base and enhance profitability. Regarding livestock, I view it as a long-term investment strategy. While direct purchases of larger animals like goats and cows may be out of reach initially, I have adopted a gradual approach by starting with more affordable options such as poultry, including chickens and geese. These birds are eventually sold to accumulate funds for acquiring goats. In the future, these goats will serve as a financial safety net, providing a means to raise funds during times of economic hardship. By combining short-term business expansion with long-term livestock investment plans, I aim to secure my financial future and achieve self-sufficiency as the project draws to a close."

"The recent transfers I have received have primarily been allocated to farming expenses and purchasing food supplies. Towards the end of last year, during the second phase of our farming cycle, we utilized the transfers for hiring labor and acquiring necessary farm inputs. Despite owning a sizable parcel of land, we're only able to cultivate three acres of it. To aid in this endeavor, we hired a cow-driven plough at a cost of $70 and purchased seeds amounting to $21. In January, a portion of my transfers totaling $24 went towards hiring labor to assist with the harvesting process. Given my commitments as a locally hired teacher, I have not been able to dedicate as much time to the farm as needed. The remaining amount from the transfers is being prudently saved for potential emergency needs. However, it's likely that it will be utilized for purchasing additional food supplies or hiring labor to complete the harvesting, which is still ongoing. This approach ensures that we maintain financial stability while effectively managing our agricultural activities."