"In the realm of peace and satisfaction, having our food stored is like an assurance of tranquility, especially given our advancing age and persisting health challenges. The profound peace of mind that accompanies the knowledge that we are not tethered to the worry of the next meal is truly priceless. Amid the goats we already tend to, each addition, including the recent one, is symbolic of more than just an increase in livestock numbers. It's a deliberate step, a strategic move towards bolstering our financial stability in the years to come. Every new member of our livestock family is a seed planted for potential income, forming an integral part of our careful planning for a secure and stable future. The transformation witnessed by GiveDirectly transfers gave a sense of direction to most of us who never knew what tomorrow would look like and promised to move forward with the same energy so we can sustain the new lifestyle."

"The positive shifts in my life are quite tangible. Stability has become a constant, allowing me to welcome visitors without the need to borrow essentials like seats and utensils, which was a common practice in the past. This newfound ability to host without depending on neighbors is a testament to the positive changes brought about by the financial support from GiveDirectly. Moreover, the investment in mango seedlings signifies a forward-looking approach. Beyond the prospect of future income, it serves as a visible symbol of the transformative impact of GiveDirectly's assistance on my life. It's a hopeful gesture towards sustainable and self-sufficient living. In essence, the changes in my life go beyond the immediate material improvements; they reflect a shift towards a more empowered and self-reliant future."

"The task of rebuilding our home took a front seat in my priorities, and I invested $130 into the construction. The decision to reconstruct was born out of necessity; our previous dwelling, made of old iron sheets, had succumbed to the relentless force of the wind. To fortify against future calamities, we opted for new iron sheets, ensuring a more robust structure that could withstand the elements. In the realm of immediate concerns, I allocated $70 toward securing sustenance for my household. With the responsibility of caring for two grandchildren, the everyday stress of ensuring there's enough on the table prompted a strategic move. I chose to purchase cereals in bulk, a practical measure to stock up and alleviate the constant financial strain associated with buying food daily. This decision not only provided a temporary respite but also positioned us with a buffer against the recurrent challenge of securing meals."

"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."

"In the coming years, my plan is to concentrate on my goat herd. I intend to focus on providing them with ample nutrition and healthcare to facilitate faster reproduction. To avoid the need to sell them for my sustenance, I plan to cultivate maize on my small half-acre plot, ensuring a sustainable source of food for my consumption. This strategy will not only secure my family's nourishment but also bolster our financial stability"

"Embracing cattle rearing as my passion, I faced severe setbacks when I lost 30 cows to drought within just two years. The financial strain pushed me to sell the remaining cattle to fund my children's education. However, the third transfer reignited my dream. With the entire sum of $450, further supplemented to $530, I invested in a cross-breed cow and its calf. This strategic decision not only ensures a daily supply of milk for my family, alleviating the burden of purchasing it, but also generates additional income. I now sell surplus milk to my neighbor, earning $1 daily. Furthermore, in my heart, I hold the dream of the cow multiplying, bringing forth offspring that I can sell in the future. These sales will play a pivotal role in securing my children's education, ensuring they have every opportunity to thrive. This prospect fills me with hope and determination, motivating me to care for these animals with unwavering dedication."

"In my polygamous marriage, being the second wife, I've always had to think strategically about securing a better future for my two young children. This recent unconditional cash transfer presented a unique opportunity, and I decided to invest in assets that would not only support my family but also act as a form of security. I used $330 to purchase seven goats, and I firmly believe that this investment will pay off. Goats have a knack for increasing in number at a surprisingly high rate, and they will undoubtedly become a valuable source of income. These goats will help me cover the ever-increasing school fees for my children and address any unexpected financial needs that might arise. Moreover, the goats serve a dual purpose, as they also act as a security measure for our home, which lacked protection previously. My husband and I rely heavily on farming activities for our livelihood, but the unpredictability of the weather in our dry region makes it a less lucrative venture. With the remaining amount from the cash transfer, I made a practical choice by purchasing enough food to sustain our family of four for a couple of weeks. This may seem simple, but it means that we no longer have to go to bed with empty stomachs, as we often did before. The combination of these investments not only brings me peace of mind but also a glimmer of hope for a more stable and prosperous future for my family."

"In the coming year, through the monthly transfers, my goal is to expand my livestock rearing business. I believe this will generate a steady income. Not only ensuring that I can consistently pay for my children's school fees but also provide their other basic needs more comfortably. Additionally, I intend to build a more spacious house for my family. Our current living space is quite small, and I want to provide my family with a more comfortable home. The financial stability these transfers have given us is a stepping stone toward achieving these dreams."

"I'll be using the savings from the transfers, which I anticipate will be around $45 to buy a goat. This goat will mark the beginning of my livestock rearing venture, aimed at generating additional income through selling livestock. I believe this will allow me to support my education. At the same time, I hope to alleviate some of the financial burdens my parents have been shouldering for far too long. I am determined to make the most of the opportunities that have come my way."

"The high cost of living has made our life difficult. We had about 30 goats in the year 2020 and lost 23 to floods. This affected our main source of income. Currently we have about 42 goats and 12 sheep. They have bred faster. We sell them to fund our children's education and buy essentials for our home. Due to the high cost of living, we're selling a lot of the stock making us worried of the future. We depend on goats mainly for living."