"AS I mentioned earlier I have a shop and I use it to generate income. I however would not want a repeat of what happened in the past with the business. I plan to increase my chicken from the now 15 to more chicken that would be able to generate income. Animals multiply giving an assurance of your money growing daily. My goal is ensure this chicken business becomes sufficient enough for household expenses and even expanding the business."

"Operating my own water cart and selling water in Mariakani town is how I earn a living, providing for my family of four. The financial support received through transfers has been a significant blessing, allowing me to make substantial improvements in our lives. I am deeply grateful for these transfers as they have enabled me to invest in various areas, including purchasing goats, constructing a house, and acquiring chickens. The hardships that once characterized my life have now given way to a more favorable situation. A substantial portion of my transfers has been directed towards livestock farming. I allocated $68 to purchase two goats, intending to raise and eventually use them as a stepping stone to acquire cows in the future. In addition, I invested $20 in four chickens, with the remainder saved. My sincere appreciation goes to GiveDirectly for their invaluable assistance, which has played a pivotal role in bringing about these positive changes in my life."

"As I look forward to the upcoming year, my primary goal is to settle all outstanding fees arrears for my children and subsequently venture into the chicken business. Resolving this lingering debt is crucial for my peace of mind, enabling me to fully focus on the poultry enterprise. I plan to utilize future transfers to accomplish these financial objectives. GiveDirectly serves as a beacon of hope for me and my family, providing the support needed to realize these aspirations and secure a brighter future."

"My lifelong wish was to own goats, but the lack of funds made it seem like an unattainable dream. Given my advanced age and inability to engage in active work, I saw livestock rearing as the most viable option to sustain my family. The cash transfers have played a crucial role in turning this dream into a reality. Recently, I utilized $27 to purchase a goat and $2 for a chicken. With a current count of four goats, I am optimistic that they will multiply, expanding the herd in the future. This assures that even after the cash transfers conclude, I can sell the livestock to address immediate needs, particularly related to food. The remaining $5 was allocated to buy food, ensuring that my household never faced scarcity.  As my son serves as the sole provider, relying on casual jobs, the cash transfers have empowered me to contribute to putting daily meals on the table. I am grateful for this support."

"Previously, I used to engage in charcoal making to assist my husband in providing for our two children. Unfortunately, due to the physical toll it took on me, resulting in chest complications, I had to discontinue this activity. Since then, my husband has borne the sole responsibility for supporting the family through his chewing stick business. I am happy the cash transfers have allowed me to actively contribute, especially towards school fees. I plan to use the funds to create wealth through goat and chicken rearing, providing a sustainable source of income even after the cash transfers conclude. Despite my inability to engage in physical work, keeping livestock will enable me to continue supporting the needs of my family through potential sales in the future."

"Residing in an area teeming with snakes made sleeping on the floor a dangerous choice for my two children and me. When the much-needed transfer of $180.1 from GiveDirectly came through, it was a game-changer. Swiftly, I allocated $38 for a sturdy bed, an essential upgrade from our situation. $ 28 was devoted to acquiring a decent mattress. No longer would we rely on rags and worn-out pieces to cushion our sleep; my aching back and waist welcomed this change. Being a single mother, relying on sporadic jobs, the struggle to put food on the table was a constant battle. Thus, $58 went towards ensuring our kitchen was well-stocked. Additionally, investing $14 in new plastic chairs replaced the old ones borrowed from my neighbor, adding a touch of comfort to our humble abode. Considering safety, $6 was utilized for a temporary fence around our compound. The need for organization led me to allocate $3 for a bag to store our clothes at home, a small yet impactful change in our daily lives. Education is a priority, and with $10, I purchased school bags for my children, a simple but significant provision they lacked. However, foresight was crucial for sustainability. Hence, $20 was invested in chickens, a step toward ensuring a steady source of income through their sale when times are tough. This assistance wasn’t just about immediate relief; it was a lifeline toward creating a more secure and comfortable future for my family."

"My husband and I lacked formal employment, leading to significant struggles in providing for our family of six. There were times when putting food on the table was a challenge, and we even experienced instances of going to bed hungry. To make ends meet, I resorted to selling charcoal and extracting tree stumps, while my husband focused on livestock rearing. The arrival of GiveDirectly has brought about substantial positive changes in our lives. The consistent monthly transfers provide us with a sense of assurance and the ability to plan effectively. Currently, we own seven goats and sheep, well taken care of by my husband, and we anticipate selling them in the future to generate a substantial profit. From the transfers, I allocated $45 to purchase a mattress, having already acquired a bed, which is a significant improvement from our previous situation of sleeping on the floor due to a lack of furnishings. Additionally, $24 was used for food, and $10 went towards acquiring chickens which we shall keep. The remaining funds were wisely saved within my savings group to be used for renovations later on. I am genuinely delighted with the transformative and positive impact GiveDirectly has had on my life."

"With the recent unconditional cash transfer, I immediately prioritized the well-being of my family. I invested $120 in purchasing comfortable beddings for my seven children and five grandchildren, allowing them to sleep well and in pairs, a luxury they hadn't experienced before. Previously, they slept on sacks, leading to health issues like ringworm and bedbugs, and shared their room with chickens. The transformation has been incredible, and their happiness is noticeable. With the remaining funds, I addressed their health concerns by buying medicine, ensuring they are now free from bedbugs and sleep in a safe environment. As a casual laborer burning charcoal, my income is limited to $20 every two weeks, and my husband's earnings from taking care of a neighbor's cow amount to $40 per month. Despite our combined efforts, the funds are insufficient for food and school fees. Determined to secure my children's education, I allocated $150 to settle their school fees balance, and another $150 was spent on buying food for the festive season. Additionally, I used part of the funds to purchase clothes and uniforms for my children, relieving me of the worry that they might attend school in torn garments. The cash transfer has brought immense relief, allowing my children to learn in peace and comfort."

"Upon receiving my second transfer of $450 from GiveDirectly, my primary focus was procuring food, a crucial investment given the consistent challenge of sustaining ourselves. We heavily rely on casual jobs and our small-scale farming efforts, yet the past three years have seen our harvests thwarted by unpredictable rainfall patterns, resulting in continual losses. The struggle to provide for our four children and ourselves persists. Last year, blessed with better rains, I invested $150 in planting maize once more. Additionally, I allocated $200 to purchase sheep, preferring their manageable nature as they refrain from causing disturbances in other people's farms. I intend to breed them, sell their offspring, and thereby sustain our family. To diversify our turnover, I introduced chickens into our homestead by purchasing four for $14. I hold hope that through the sale of eggs and chicken, a steady income can be generated to support our daily needs. Another significant change came in the form of a mattress, acquired for $40. Previously, I endured discomfort sleeping on an old, inadequate one supported by worn-out bags. This new investment has alleviated the strain on my back and waist, ensuring a more restful night's sleep. Despite the challenges, these investments represent hope for a better future, enabling us to move forward with renewed determination and resilience."

"Upon receiving my recent cash, I strategically allocated funds to address pressing issues and invest in future sustainability. Understanding the discomfort my children faced due to a leaking roof, I devoted $150 to improve the roofing of their bedroom, ensuring a warm and dry environment for restful sleep during rainy weather. I allocated $100 to expand my clothing business. This move not only increased my stock but also allowed me to save on transport expenses, enhancing the profitability of the venture. With $150, I covered shopping expenses and paid school fees for a child entering secondary school, easing the financial burden that was previously shouldered solely by their father, who works as a chef in a hotel. I invested the remaining funds in poultry farming. I purchased ten chickens and constructed a suitable shelter for them. This choice stemmed from the convenience of managing poultry in the evenings after returning from my clothing business, ensuring a dual-income stream and a manageable routine."