"I used the cash transfer to buy three goats, each costing $60. Goats are easier to manage, and I saw them as a good investment. At the time, sheep were quite expensive, but I decided to buy mature ones because they would give me a quicker return. I already had two sheep, and I added three more to make a total of five. I planned to milk them once they gave birth since I had been spending too much on buying milk from the market. Cows seemed like an obvious option for milk, but they’re costly to maintain, and I didn’t want to take on that burden. Sheep, on the other hand, are easier to feed and manage, especially in our area. I hoped that having more sheep would reduce our dependence on store-bought milk and help us cut down on daily expenses. I’ve always wanted a more sustainable way to meet my family’s needs, and this seemed like a practical solution. Now, one of the sheep has started giving milk, and it’s already making a difference. "

"The first thing I did when I received the transfer was buy sticks for staking my tomatoes. I have half an acre of them, and it was the rainy season, so the plants needed immediate support to keep them from lying on the wet ground. I spent $50 on the sticks and another $20 on labor to help with the staking because it’s such a time-consuming task, and I couldn’t manage it alone. That felt like a good investment because, without proper staking, I could have lost a lot of the crop.  I then used $30 to buy clothes for my two children. It’s important to me that they look good and feel happy, and they haven’t had new clothes in a while. Seeing them excited in their new outfits brought me so much joy—it reminded me why every little effort we make for our children counts. I spent $20 on fuel for the generator we use to pump water to irrigate the tomatoes. With the remaining amount, I topped up my savings to buy a cow as part of the dowry for my wife. She has lived with me for five years, and I hadn’t fulfilled that obligation, but this was my chance to make the first step. I was excited to finally show my in-laws that I’m serious about doing things the right way."

"In the coming year, my goal is to start goat farming because goats are more affordable and easier to maintain than cows, even though I already have one cow. I plan to save at least $10 monthly from my transfers to accumulate enough to buy one goat at a time. Currently, a goat costs around $50 due to high demand, but with steady savings, I know I can reach that amount. Starting with one goat, I hope to slowly build a herd, which will provide my family with a reliable source of income through offspring and meat selling. Over time, this will not only improve our financial stability but also allow me to expand the farm."

"My current house is small, cramped, and has leaking issues, which makes it difficult for my family to sleep comfortably. To enhance our living conditions, I intend to set aside a portion of my transfers in our savings group. Once the savings reach maturity in December, I will withdraw them and allocate the funds towards constructing a new two-room house for my family, ensuring that we can rest comfortably and stay warm. Furthermore, I aim to expand my livestock by using the transfers to purchase goats, in addition to the chickens I already own. The chickens are expected to multiply, allowing me to sell them in case of any unforeseen emergencies. The goats will increase in number and value, eventually enabling me to exchange them for cows in the future. These cows will then be utilized for plowing my farm. I am truly appreciative and optimistic about my plans as they hold significant importance for me."

"It was around 3pm, and I was outside doing laundry when the money arrived. My phone was inside the house, so I didn't check it right away. After finishing my washing, I went back inside and saw the notification on my phone—it was the money! I felt a wave of happiness and relief wash over me. Instantly, my mind started racing with plans. I had always wanted to own more livestock, and now, with this money, I knew I could finally buy cows and sheep. It felt like a dream come true, and I was so grateful for the opportunity."

"I currently own two goats and my aim is to increase their numbers so that I can eventually sell or exchange them for bulls. These bulls will be essential for helping me cultivate my land and generating income through hiring them out. Besides raising goats, I also sell chickens to support my family. With the income from my work and the monthly transfers I receive from GiveDirectly, I will be able to purchase more goats, which I can later exchange for cows. This is my major goal for the coming year and beyond. Due to limited income, I am unable to buy a cow directly, so I plan to invest in goats for a while and then exchange them for cows. I believe that this investment will lead to a brighter future for my family and we will be able to live a more comfortable life than we do now."

"In the coming year, I plan to purchase a cow as a long-term investment. I see this as a crucial step towards ensuring a stable source of income and food for my family. To achieve this goal, I have already started saving the recent transfers I've received, and I intend to continue setting aside every transfer that comes my way in the future. Each time I save, I get closer to the day when I can visit a farm and select the cow that will not only provide milk for my family but also become a lasting source of financial growth. My vision is clear, and with discipline and patience, I believe I will soon accomplish this goal."

"I am involved in charcoal production and sales to meet the basic needs of my family. Unfortunately, I recently lost all my chickens to a disease outbreak in my village. Despite this setback, I am determined to continue with my poultry farming. With the house of my dreams now built, I am looking to focus on livestock. My ultimate goal is to purchase a cow, but due to the high cost, I plan to start by investing in poultry rearing. Once I have a good number of poultry, I will sell some to buy goats. After the goats multiply, I will sell them to eventually acquire a cow for land cultivation. I intend to use the cow for plowing my land and my neighbors' land for a fee. The income from this endeavor will help me pay for my children's education."

"I previously had a mission to buy a dairy cow, and I’m happy to say that I achieved that goal! Now, I am enjoying the fresh milk I always wanted. Looking ahead, I aspire to own a piece of land where I can build rental houses, providing me with a reliable source of income each month. To reach this goal, my plan is to continue using a portion of my transfers from GiveDirectly to buy goats, hoping they will multiply in both number and value. In the future, I aim to trade some of these goats for male cows. I hope that these male cows will grow and increase in value, allowing me to sell them later and purchase a two-acre piece of land. I intend to use part of that land to build the rental houses I have always dreamed of. Additionally, I pray that the cows I already have will also multiply so that I can sell some of them in the future and use the proceeds to build the house I envision. I am hopeful that my ambitions will come true, leading to a future with strong financial security."

"When I received the cash transfer, it felt like a ray of hope during a difficult time. I used $160 to pay for the university fees of my two daughters, which had been stressing me out. Their fees were huge, and to cover them, I had to sell three cows and some goats, in addition to the money from GiveDirectly. The floods had already swept away my two acres of maize, adding to my struggles. However, thanks to GiveDirectly, I was able to meet my daughters' educational needs, and for that, I am truly grateful.Furthermore, I used $40 to buy food for my family. Although my grocery business could provide some food, this extra amount helped ensure we wouldn't go hungry. My husband is a polygamous man, and sometimes it is hard for him to support me fully, but he managed to contribute a little toward the fees. With five people in my family to care for, the financial burden can be heavy, but the cash transfer made a big difference.Now, I feel a sense of relief knowing my daughters can continue their education without interruption. The support from GiveDirectly has given me hope and made life a bit easier during these challenging times. I am thankful for this assistance, as it has helped me prioritize my family's needs while managing our everyday expenses."