"My wife has battled illness throughout this entire year, and the expenses associated with her treatment and medications have been quite burdensome. In addition to her ongoing medical needs, maintaining a nutritious diet for her is imperative to ensuring her well-being. Personally, this has taken a toll on my financial situation. However, my unwavering hope remains to witness her recovery and return to full health. Unfortunately, I lack a stable source of income that would have made it easier for me to provide her with the necessary medical care and meet her dietary requirements. My sons, while occasionally offering their support, also face financial instability as they have their own families to provide for. I am immensely grateful for the assistance I have received from GiveDirectly, as it has been a lifeline for us during these challenging times. Whenever I receive a transfer, my top priority is allocating the funds to ensure my wife's well-being, primarily by purchasing the essential medications and nutritious food she requires. I'm also appreciative of the fact that, despite my circumstances, I managed to set aside a portion of the recent transfer and invest it in livestock. Specifically, I acquired a goat and three chickens for a total of $40. I take great pride in owning these animals, as I view them as assets that can serve as a reliable resource in case of any future financial needs."

"Poultry do well here, I have about 5 hens now. We plan to build a good structure for the chicken. The structure will cost about $100. Plan to buy 30 chicks, it will cost about $150. They will keep growing and support our family income. It's easy maintaining them since there's hardly any diseases in our place due to the long sunshine experience. The area is also very dry, making it conducive for poultry farming. Additionally, we also need chicken feeds and food for our family. Will spend $200 on this, that will give us stability for more than 3 months. Plan to invest in maize farming. Since we don't have our own farm we'll hire a 2 acre land for irrigation around Lake Baringo. The water is enough and reliable. The cost of such of a project is high, we plan to set aside $600. That's for pumping water, seeds, labour among other costs. The investment is worthy since it will give us food security and also some extra income from maize sales."

"GiveDirectly transfers have greatly benefited my family of eight and changed our lives for the better. Previously, I relied on charcoal sales for our livelihood, but a prolonged drought hampered my output, making it difficult to provide for my family. I'm grateful and delighted that these transfers have significantly boosted our income as my wife and I combine our transfers to cover our expenses. Moreover, I'm pleased to share that these monthly transfers have enabled me to invest in 10 chickens and 6 goats, which I plan to sell for a profit later. I allocated $60 to purchase 6 chickens and 1 goat, which I intend to raise and sell in case of unexpected emergencies. Additionally, I used $15 to buy new clothes for my six children, as most of their clothing was in poor condition. Furthermore, I spent $18 on food, as our harvested supplies had already run out, and we needed sustenance. The remaining funds were used to settle school fees balances, ensuring a smooth continuation of my kids' education."

"In the coming year and beyond, my primary goal is to channel my financial transfers into acquiring livestock, specifically chickens and goats. Given my lack of a steady income source, owning livestock represents a crucial, life-saving investment for me. In the preceding years, such an endeavor was unattainable due to persistent drought, which rendered farming impossible and drove up the cost of providing food for my family. Fortunately, we have recently received ample rainfall, enabling me to fully utilize my land and produce enough food for my household. This newfound food security has paved the way for me to venture into livestock ownership. Presently, I own one goat, and my plans for the coming year and beyond involve acquiring more. These livestock will serve as a reliable resource to meet my financial needs when necessary."

"I intend to expand my vegetable-selling business by purchasing additional stock. While it may not be a massive investment, this business has been a reliable source of sustenance for my family. Increasing my stock will result in higher profits, ultimately providing me with the means to comfortably support my household and cover the educational expenses of my four children. In addition to improving my business, I also have plans to acquire some livestock, including chickens and goats, which I will raise. I believe that as these animals multiply, they will serve as a valuable resource for addressing any unforeseen financial challenges that may arise."

"The recent financial support I received has significantly transformed my life beyond my expectations. Prior to this assistance, I had been using old and uncomfortable bedding for a good night's sleep. However, thanks to the recent transfer, I invested $23 in a new mattress, replacing the worn-out one. I'm now in the process of planning to purchase a new bed to further enhance my sleep quality. Moreover, I'm elated to share that the transfer also enabled me to acquire some livestock, including a goat and six chickens, at a cost of $40. I'm currently raising these animals with the hope that they will multiply, providing a potential source of income during financial emergencies. In addition to these improvements, I allocated $25 to purchase two sheets of iron, which will be used to complete the construction of my kitchen. The kitchen was initially missing seven sheets, but I'm pleased to report that I've now completed the purchase and initiated the construction. This spacious kitchen will also double as storage for my items. Lastly, I received the money at a time when I was preparing to plant crops, and I wisely used the remaining funds to hire oxen to plow my farm. As a result, I was able to plant on time and ultimately achieved a bountiful harvest. This has significantly enhanced food security in my household, relieving me of the daily struggle of providing enough food for my family."

"My son, who used to be the primary provider, was working as a driver. Unfortunately, he had a debilitating accident that rendered him unable to work any longer. This situation made life nearly unbearable, as I was now tasked with providing for the family. Since we primarily engaged in farming for consumption, I do not have an income source that could have supported us. Additionally, my six grandchildren were frequently sent home from school due to our inability to pay their fees on time. However, I am incredibly thankful to GiveDirectly for their financial support, which has allowed my grandchildren to remain in school. I allocated $40 to cover their school fees, ensuring their continued education. I'm also proud to have acquired some livestock, which serves as a valuable asset to meet our financial needs. I invested $30 in purchasing two chickens and a goat, and I now have three goats. I believe that as they multiply, I can sell them to meet my financial obligations. Furthermore, I spent $10 on my ailing sister's medical expenses, and she received excellent treatment. With the remaining funds, I purchased essential food items such as maize flour and other cereals to feed my family, particularly during a time when our farming activities had not yet yielded crops. I also used a portion of the money to buy items that were lacking in our household."

"I joined a monthly merry-go-round savings group, committing to saving $20 from my monthly transfers with the goal of acquiring more costly items that I would otherwise not be able to purchase using the monthly transfers and achieving significant financial goals. In July, I had the fortune of receiving the savings pot, which amounted to $120. With that money, I purchased household essentials like a $65 bed, a $55 mattress, and used the remaining funds to make partial payments toward my children's school fees. In the subsequent months, after setting aside $20 for the savings group, I allocated the rest of my funds to grow my small business by investing $4,500 in additional stock.In September, I used the profits from my business to buy a $45 goat, adding diversity to my long-term investments. In October, I extended my investments by purchasing two chickens for $10, and the remainder of the money went towards clearing my children's school fee balance, ensuring their education continues without interruption."

"It's heartening to visualize the bright years ahead, especially with the financial foundation that GiveDirectly has provided. With 40 heads of goats in my possession, I see not just a herd but a living investment that has the potential to multiply. The idea of selling them one by one in times of financial need adds a layer of security that was once a distant dream. These goats are more than livestock; they are a source of income and stability. Beyond just selling them, I see the practical benefits of having goats. Milking them provides a sustainable source of nourishment for my family and also reduces expenses that we would have otherwise incurred. It's a self-sustaining cycle that brings both financial and practical relief. Looking ahead, my aspirations extend to diversifying my sources of income. The thought of adding layer chickens to the mix, producing eggs to be sold for additional income, is a testament to the resilience and creativity that can bloom from a stable financial base."

"I have encountered difficulties covering the educational expenses for my four children who are currently attending school. While my husband has been a source of support, his situation took a turn when he was diagnosed with Tuberculosis and subsequently lost his job. Presently, we sustain ourselves through subsistence farming in our village. Although my husband takes on occasional construction work, his health constraints limit his ability to do so. Therefore, upon receiving my most recent transfers, I allocated $50 towards paying our children's school fees, and I am happy to see them resuming their education without further disruptions. In addition, I spent $6 on purchasing two chickens, which I am currently keeping. These transfers coincided with the planting season, so I utilized $20 to hire an ox plough, ensuring the timely cultivation of our land, and resulting in a bountiful harvest that alleviated food shortages in our household. The remaining amount was dedicated to acquiring essential household items that were lacking."