"Utilizing $430 from the transfer, I embarked on constructing a proper house for my family as we were previously residing in a shack unsuitable for our children. Additionally, I allocated $35 to acquire seven chickens, envisioning the beginning of a poultry farming venture. I am hopeful that these chickens will multiply, potentially providing an avenue to support our family's future needs through their sale. The remaining portion of the transfer was dedicated to securing food provisions for my family's immediate sustenance."

"I have wanted to build on the animals I own. I would never have owned goats had it not been for Givedirectly. I now own 6 goats in addition to chicken and ducks. I want to buy more animals. For me animals are like an emergency fund. If I get an emergency whether its school fees, or someone being sick I can sell an animals get the money depending on how much is needed. I want to add more animals and increase my security for money."

"My wife and I used to plant and sell tomatoes back in 2019 before the persistent drought that has seen our lands unproductive for about four years. We both did casual labour but have none of this jobs now to make income. We started the chicken project that we now rely on. The recent rains have allowed us farm food for use in our home which has helped us with access to food. We however want to go back to our tomato selling business. We now have a big family as we now have 4 children who all depend on us. We want to go back to tomato farming to make more income and take care of the children. As a family we are also planning to open both our separate bank accounts where we will save monthly proceeds from the transfers and chicken farming to reinvest into our children schooling."

"I am a father of one and my wife is a housewife. I run a motorcycle business. My business proceeds have reduced due to increased fuel prices that forced us to increase our transport charges which in turn reduced the number of people who are willing to pay the much we ask for the services we provide. The transfers I have been receiving have been majorly directed to pay for food debts and also buying food. In October I paid debts for the food I had taken from a local shop of $13 and bought food for $21. In November I spent $10 on food and paid $21 to till my land, the remaining $4 bought a chicken. During the festivities $19 bought food while the remaining $15 I bought new clothes for my child."

"First on my agenda is acquiring chickens—a small but significant step towards expanding my livestock. Alongside my current herd of goats, this addition will not only diversify my resources but also boost their numbers over time. The vision goes beyond mere self-sufficiency; I dream of slaughtering a chicken to warmly welcome visitors, turning moments of hospitality into cherished memories. As the poultry population grows, so does the potential for meeting not only my family's needs but also contributing to the welfare of my extended family through sales. It's a gradual process, but I firmly believe that with dedication and hard work, these endeavors will pave the way for financial stability, bringing me closer to realizing these goals and securing a prosperous future."

"Since April I made a decision to save $20 per month. I have one of those old houses with a paper roof, this house is not in the best state and this is what led me to make this decision. The remaining $14 left from each month was distributed for different needs within the home. In September I used $5 for clothes and $9 for food. In October I spent $8 to buy two chicken and used $6 to buy food. In November I added one more chicken at $5 and contributed $5 to a wedding that was happening at our home and used $4 for food."

"Upon receiving both the first and second transfers, my husband and I devised a plan to enhance our living conditions. We allocated $367 for the purchase of barbed wire, chain links, and fencing poles, and covered the associated labor charges to fence our property. Our farm had been vulnerable to invasion by stray livestock from the neighborhood, causing damage to any attempts at planting trees or crops. Additionally, I allocated $73 for foodstuffs and household consumables, ensuring provisions for my family of four. Recognizing my husband's personal needs, I provided him with $10 to acquire the necessary items. Previously, our livelihood had relied on chicken farming and charcoal production, both of which contributed to sustaining our household finances."

"Until recently, my primary livelihood depended on subsistence farming, primarily for household consumption. Struggling without a consistent source of income, I decided to venture into poultry farming. The objective behind this was to establish a reliable income stream that would contribute to covering my son's college fees. Through the sale of some chickens at $4 each recently, I successfully raised a substantial amount, enabling my son to enroll in college. My current focus is on expanding this poultry venture. I plan to invest in acquiring more chickens, improving the structures, and ensuring an adequate supply of feed for the poultry. This goal is driven by the belief that cultivating such a project will significantly transform my financial situation. The ability to sell chickens presents an opportunity to generate income consistently, contributing not only to the sustainability of the poultry project but also to the overall improvement of my livelihood."

"In September I had a lot of pending unpaid school fees balances. I used $30 to pay school fees for my five children and used the $4 left for sugar and chicken. In October I got 2 chicken at $10 and bought maize flour at $15. I also got to buy soap and body lotion at $9. In November I got a goat at $25, I bought clothes at $5 and sugar plus body oil at $4. I was so thankful to Givedirectly for enabling me and my family to be well taken care of through this transfers."

"I have 3 school going children, one in grade 6, another in grade four and the other in grade two. My husband and I both sell charcoal to make ends meet. This business of selling charcoal has been greatly affected by the drought and then the heavy rainfall. We have an almost nonexistent income with school going children. It is difficult to predict if we will be able to cater for their schooling but we hope through the transfers we can get them through school and also buy a number of chicken that can be sold to make an income to be used to educate my children."