"In the upcoming year, my goal is to purchase a cow, which I plan to rear and eventually sell to fund my children's education. This investment holds significant value for me, as besides its eventual sale, the cow will serve the practical purpose of plowing my land, proving to be a dual benefit. To achieve this objective, I intend to allocate $25 from each of my upcoming transfers every month, and I am confident that with this consistent effort, I will succeed. I am grateful for the progress I have achieved so far."

"To sustain my family of four children, I engage in the sale of charcoal for a living. Recently, my business has faced challenges, requiring extensive marketing efforts to attract clients. This struggle has affected our ability to secure enough food, resulting in days without sustenance and making providing for my children particularly challenging. However,I am grateful that my kids are now attending school and have consistent access to food, while my business has stabilized. Allocating the entirety of $102 received in transfers, I invested in livestock, acquiring two goats and one sheep. This strategic move is a step towards a worthwhile investment, as rearing and eventually selling these animals will pave the way for obtaining cows in the future. I anticipate benefits such as milk production and sales from this venture. The assistance and support received have brought me happiness, and I am grateful for the positive changes in my life."

"I oversee farming operations and cultivate maize and green grams primarily for my own consumption. With five children still in school and my husband engaged in farming as well, we supplement our income by selling charcoal during dry seasons. The positive impact of the transfers we received has been transformative. I am grateful for the assistance as we have invested in livestock and we now own eleven cows and goats. This newfound financial stability ensures that our children can attend school comfortably without the fear of being sent home due to lack of school fees. With the extended rainfall experienced in my village, we decided to actively engage in farming. Allocating $48 of the transfers to agricultural activities, we rented oxen for ploughing the land and carried out necessary weeding activities to enhance the success of our crops. Another $34 was directed towards settling a debt incurred for the purchase of a cow, and the remaining amount was utilized to procure essential food and household necessities. The support we have received this far has been very significant, and I am sincerely thankful for it."

"I recently used the entire amount of my unconditional cash transfer, totaling $34.7, to buy a goat, a decision that holds great significance in my life. This investment has been a long-time dream of mine. Previously, using past transfers, I managed to accumulate six goats, and my plan is to eventually exchange them for a cow. The idea is to gradually build my livestock portfolio and eventually exchange the cow for oxen. This transition is crucial for me, especially considering my advancing age, where physical labor becomes challenging. I aim to rely on these animals for sustenance and income generation. Furthermore, I plan to lease them out to friends at a fee, creating an additional source of income. As a widow with two children, substantial farming has been our mainstay, but with my physical limitations, I can no longer undertake arduous tasks. The decision to invest in livestock is not only about ensuring a more secure future for my family but also about leveraging a sustainable source of income. While I may not be as physically productive due to age, I am hopeful that this strategic investment in goats will pave the way for a reliable means of support. Through this endeavor, I aim to secure our livelihood, generate income, and create opportunities for a better life for my children, ensuring they have a solid foundation even after I'm no longer able to work actively on the farm."

"I spent $180 of the transfer to pay part of the school fee balance for my children so that they could be allowed to eat at school and do their exams without any difficulties. I also spent $295 to purchase a cow and three goats because I want to do livestock farming. In hopes that they will multiply in the future, I know they will help me to cater for my family needs and school fees for my children. My younger children were sleeping on a very tattered mattress. Having a good rest on this kind of bedding was not possible, and it really bothered me. I therefore purchased a mattress for my children at a cost of $60 so that they could at least have some good and relaxing sleep. The rest of the transfer was spent on food."

"Bought land, and cleared some debt for the cow"

"Was resting at home, not expecting money, felt very happy and praised God First thought of buying a cow"

"Investing in the productivity of my one-acre farm was a priority, so I allocated $25 of my recent unconditional cash transfer to hire someone for cultivation. Previously, I struggled with low yields as I manually tilled the land, but now, with the help of skilled labor, I am optimistic about a bountiful harvest. The impact on my farming productivity brings a sense of accomplishment and assurance for the future. Recognizing the need for sustainable energy, I used $7 to clear a debt owed to a shop where I purchased a solar panel, paying in installments. Now, with the debt settled, I sleep peacefully, assured that I have a reliable and eco-friendly source of energy. This simple addition to my household has made a significant difference, not just in terms of convenience but also in reducing long-term costs. With the remaining $2.7, I made sure to provide for the immediate needs of my family of five, purchasing food to sustain us. As a substantial farmer, the monthly profit from selling charcoal, around $10, forms a crucial part of our income. My spouse, who engages in buying and selling cows, contributes additional profits. This strategic use of the unconditional cash transfer has not only enhanced our immediate living conditions but has also set the stage for increased agricultural productivity, financial stability, and a debt-free, peaceful sleep."

"Currently, without the cash transfers, our situation would be exceedingly challenging. My husband, the primary breadwinner, is advanced in age and can no longer undertake strenuous activities to support our seven children. Recognizing the need for a sustainable source of income, I aim to venture into livestock keeping, particularly cattle. While I have experience with poultry like chickens and ducks, I believe that owning livestock such as cows would be a valuable asset. I hope that the cash transfers will enable me to save and eventually acquire at least one cow to contribute to our long-term financial stability."

"In the coming year and beyond, my goals include acquiring livestock and building a decent house for my family. After my main house collapsed, I erected a temporary one-room shelter where my six children and I currently reside. However, its conditions are far from ideal for accommodation. I aspire to build a new house with two rooms, featuring a tin roof and mud walls. Additionally, I plan to expand my livestock holdings. Currently, I have four goats, two of which I obtained through the cash transfers. The goal is for them to reproduce, grow the herd, and eventually exchange them for cows in the future. This strategy would provide funds for my children's education even after the cash transfers cease."