"Previously, I operated a poultry business that involved ducks, chickens, and guinea fowls. Regrettably, my entire flock was eliminated by a combination of prolonged drought and a coccidiosis outbreak, compelling me to close down the business. My objective now is to revive this venture, implementing improved measures to prevent the recurrence of the disease. I plan to utilize forthcoming transfers to realize this goal, anticipating that the expansion of my poultry business will contribute to increased income streams and greater financial stability. I am sincerely grateful to GiveDirectly for significantly elevating my living standards."

"Selling vegetables in my village has been my means of earning a living, though the business has faced challenges. The prolonged drought significantly impacted my income, making it difficult to provide for my family. With insufficient capital to expand my stock, I faced the possibility of closing down the venture. Fortunately, GiveDirectly's transfers played a crucial role in reviving my business, stabilizing it, and transforming it into my primary source of income. Seeking to diversify, I invested $68 in purchasing a goat and four chickens, marking the beginning of my livestock venture. The remaining $34 was allocated to hiring oxen for land cultivation, taking advantage of the rainfall to cultivate maize and beans for consumption. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to GiveDirectly for providing me with the opportunity to improve my life."

"Providing for my family of nine, including accommodation, has been a significant challenge. With the second transfer from GiveDirectly, I prioritized improving my son's living conditions. I invested $65 in five iron sheets to construct a new, more secure house for him, replacing the old structure with a tattered grass roof. Additionally, I bought a $43 sack of maize that continues to sustain us. Formerly relying on casual labor and charcoal burning, the support has been crucial. Operating a mobile salon has also been beneficial. Allocating $54 for household goods, including cooking oil, tea leaves, sugar, and toiletries, enhanced our daily living. Spending $25 on five pairs of shoes brought joy to my children. Clearing a $70 debt and investing $23 in buying chickens are steps toward a more stable financial future, aiming to sell eggs for school fees. Spending $20 on transportation brought five goats safely home. GiveDirectly has significantly transformed our living conditions, and we're grateful for the positive changes it has brought to our family."

"Once I get more money I will purchase livestock, specifically goats and chickens. I prefer goats to cows because they are easy to maintain and, I can be able to look after them and also they can survive during dry seasons and they breed faster here. poultry rearing is also profitable since it needs less cost but yields maximum profit when they multiply. Ideally, I chose to perfect this because they have ready markets compared to other livestock keeping, and am sure this will help us in the future by reducing the cost of buying milk daily."

"I am optimistic that my chicken and goat that I bought and currently rearing will multiply so that I can sell them and utilize the money to venture into new farming. In Lamu, where I own a shamba, I've observed a growing interest in sesame cultivation among the locals, where some of them have confirmed that growing sesame is beneficial from the profits it makes from selling them . In order to support my family, I consequently wish to go into sesame cultivation.."

"In the coming year and beyond, my primary goal is to enclose my land with a chain-link fence, laying the groundwork for the establishment of a poultry farm. Currently, I sustain my income by purchasing chickens from local neighborhoods and selling them in nearby markets for a profit. To elevate this venture, I plan to utilize the savings I have set aside. These funds will play a pivotal role in expanding my business, enabling the purchase of fencing materials for securing the land and, subsequently, acquiring chickens to start the poultry project. The chain-link fence is not only a means of securing the property but also a crucial step towards creating a controlled and conducive environment for the successful development of the poultry farm."

"I received the transfer during a period of financial hardship, exacerbated by my reliance on subsistence farming for sustenance which has not been doing well due to inadequate rains. With no other support in my old age from my sons, I had to relocate to live with one of my daughters, who is also a subsistence farmer. The transfers I received were crucial, ensuring a constant food supply. I'm pleased to say I've never gone hungry, as a significant portion of the money was allocated to food. Additionally, I invested in new clothes ($6) and a chair ($5), significantly improving my quality of life. I also purchased three chickens, which, despite lacking a regular income, contribute to my wealth. As they multiply, they offer a potential solution to my ongoing financial needs."

"I mostly use the cash transfers for my children's tuition. Their school had outstanding debts that could have jeopardized their education, and since their father, who operates a motorcycle taxi, was struggling to settle these debts, I spent $31 on tuition fees. I am happy that one of them got to sit for their final primary school examinations without school fee struggles. Also, three of the kids had worn-out uniforms that could not be repaired anymore, so I used $18 to get them new ones. Additionally, I invested $25 in buying a goat and $8 in two chickens for future breeding. The plan is to let these animals reproduce, grow the herd, and sell the offspring to meet the children's needs. Finally, with the onset of the short rain season, $10 went into plowing the land for planting, and the rest covered our food expenses."

"I used to earn a livelihood as a charcoal seller, but unfortunately, I began experiencing ulcers, and the doctor advised me against engaging in strenuous work. Consequently, I turned to small-scale farming to make ends meet for my family of seven. With five children enrolled in school, covering their educational expenses has posed a significant challenge, especially since my husband, who is employed as an artisan, is unable to contribute to these costs. Nevertheless, I am grateful that the transfers have lightened this financial burden. I allocated $91 specifically for school fees, as my son, on the verge of sitting his final exams, had been sent home due to a lack of funds. This allocation enabled him to resume his studies without further interruption. The remaining $11 was utilized to purchase two chickens, which I plan to keep for future use. I extend my gratitude to GiveDirectly for providing hope to my family, particularly in easing the financial strain associated with school fees."

"My objective is to expand my livestock holdings, particularly by focusing on acquiring more goats and chickens. Currently, I have successfully obtained three goats and a number of chickens that I am raising. Given my lack of a stable income, I view the ownership of livestock as a promising investment that holds the potential for substantial returns in the coming years. The multiplication of these animals allows me the opportunity to sell them, providing a reliable means to address my financial needs."