"I allocated the transfers to address some pressing needs that have been weighing on me. With a chain link worth $120 and posts costing $150, I created a protective barrier around my farm. Previously, my farm was exposed, and goats from the neighborhood would come and spoil my crops, especially my pawpaw and vegetables. Now, with a sturdy fence in place, I can cultivate my crops without worry, knowing they are safe from any potential damage. To address our water needs, I decided to add another water tank, costing $15, to my existing one. Water is a precious resource, and having an additional tank allows me to store more water, ensuring a steady and reliable supply for my family's daily needs. Feeding six children has been challenging, considering the rising food prices. With $90, I purchased enough food to keep them well nourished. It brings me peace of mind to know that my children won't go to bed hungry, and I no longer have to depend solely on casual jobs, which can be unreliable. Investing in education is of utmost importance to me, and I set aside $75 for my two children in secondary school and one in polytechnic. Education is a gateway to a better future, and I am determined to support my children in their pursuit of knowledge and a brighter tomorrow. The transfers have been a life saver for my family, providing us with the means to address immediate needs and work towards a more stable future."

"The decision to invest in livestock has brought joy in my heart. I am filled with excitement as I envision a future where my livestock multiply and become a thriving source of income. This investment is not just about the present, but also about securing a better future for myself and my family. This brings me immense reassurance that I will not fall back into the clutches of poverty that once plagued my life. Having a stable and growing herd of livestock means that I have valuable assets that can be utilized during challenging times. In times of need or emergencies, they can be a lifeline, providing financial support and security. Moreover, investing in livestock aligns with my passion for farming and animal husbandry. I take great pride in tending to my livestock, ensuring they are well-fed, healthy, and happy. The bond I share with my animals fosters a sense of responsibility and dedication, knowing that their well-being is essential to our mutual prosperity. I am grateful for the opportunity to invest in livestock, and I am committed to nurturing this endeavor with utmost care and diligence."

"With the financial support I received from GiveDirectly, I made some essential investments to improve our living conditions. One of the first things I did was purchase a water tank for $390. This tank now allows us to collect rainwater, eliminating the need to buy water, which had been a significant financial drain for us over the years. To further enhance our water supply, I invested in a water pipe to direct water to my compound from the main water pipe. This ensures a more convenient and accessible water supply for my family. Having four children, we needed an adequate supply of water to meet all our needs, from daily consumption to household chores. The water improvements have made a considerable difference in our daily lives, bringing us comfort and saving us from the financial burden of purchasing water. Additionally, I allocated $6,000 to buy food for my family. This move was crucial in shielding us from using the stock from my small shop. By having enough food at home, we can better manage our finances and ensure we have enough to sustain us during challenging times."

"In this tough economy, I find comfort and relief knowing that my children can now eat well and even enjoy simple pleasures like tea with sugar. The financial support I received has made a significant difference in our lives, allowing me to provide for my family's basic needs and send my children to school. One of my biggest worries was losing my goats to illnesses because I couldn't afford proper treatment. However, with the assistance I received, I was able to purchase medicine for the goats, ensuring their health and well-being. This has brought me immense joy and peace of mind, knowing that I can take better care of them. Moreover, I am grateful to be free from the burden of debts. Clearing the debt I had accumulated for food has lightened my financial load, and I can now face each day with renewed optimism. With the improved financial situation, I am now considering making long-desired improvements to my house. It has been challenging to do so with limited income, but now I have the opportunity to create a more comfortable living space for my family. Additionally, I am eager to invest in my poultry farming to enhance the breed and improve its overall productivity. This will not only contribute to our income but also open up new opportunities for growth and sustainability."

"Upon receiving my first transfers, I opted to use $100 to secure enough food for my family of seven, ensuring that everyone enjoyed a full meal every day and was content. Secondly, I embarked on my journey into goat-keeping by investing $80 in two goats to replace the ones lost to drought. I am confident that my improved knowledge and skills will enable me to successfully rear these goats, not just for sustenance, but also for business purposes, rather than keeping them and risking loss during droughts."

"I intend to build a new iron-roofed house soon after I purchase enough building materials, such as iron sheets and building poles. After years of living in a grass-thatched hut, my ambition is to live in a decent, iron-roofed house. The deplorable state of the hut, worsened by its tendency to leak during rainfall, has made each day a struggle. The constant need to replace the grass roofing, a time-consuming and repetitive task, has added to my burdens. I am pleased that I have so far acquired 21 pieces of iron sheets, which is a significant step toward achieving my goal of building the new house. This was after saving the transfers with my spouse, who is also a beneficiary. I am hoping to start this project soon so that we can have a decent house at our current age."

"Many years have passed since the unfortunate collapse of my previous residence, which forced me to seek refuge at my grandson's home. While I am grateful for his hospitality, my ultimate goal is to create my own haven where I can live peacefully. To this end, I have embarked on the gradual acquisition of building materials, a pursuit that has seen me acquire seven pieces of iron sheets for construction purposes. My goal is to purchase a total of 20 iron sheets, which will be enough for a large house. I am also relieved that my harvest was a success, as it provided me with plenty of food. This has given me the opportunity to redirect my financial transfers toward achieving my housing goal. Simultaneously, I have been diligently saving $10 in our village savings group, a dedicated fund intended to supplement my construction efforts. As my savings grow, they will become an indispensable source of assistance in the eventual realization of my dream."

"I am actively involved in goat rearing, and my primary goal is to expand this venture by acquiring additional goats for breeding. Goats are the ideal assets for me to manage and capitalize on due to their practicality and benefits. At present, my livestock consists of five goats and some chickens, and my aspiration is to foster their multiplication, yielding a larger and more prosperous livestock population. Recognizing the value of these animals, I view them as a source of prosperity for our family. Their significance extends even to securing the education of my grandchildren. As the need arises for their educational pursuits, I am confident in the potential to sell a portion of my livestock to finance their studies. The ownership and expansion of my goat herd stand as the primary objectives that I plan to actively pursue in the forthcoming year and the years that follow."

"My current goal is to acquire more livestock, specifically goats. While a substantial portion of the recent transfer mainly went towards meeting essential needs such as food and educational expenses for my children, my farming efforts recently yielded a bountiful harvest. This harvest has effectively alleviated my household's food scarcity, presenting an opportunity to redirect transfers toward livestock investment, specifically goats. My livestock assets currently consist of six cows, and I am determined to supplement this with the acquisition of additional goats in the coming year and beyond. Owning the goats will not only cater for my financial needs but will also take care of my six children's education."

"I am living with a physical disability, necessitating regular medical attention that exceeds the financial means of my parents. Given my parents' limited financial stability and their additional responsibilities, particularly the educational expenses of my siblings, they have been confronted with considerable challenges. The assistance I have received through the transfer has been critical in ensuring timely medical treatment, covering both medical costs and travel expenses to and from the hospital. Without this assistance, my treatment could have faced significant delays, subject to my parent's ability to accumulate sufficient resources for my healthcare expenses. Furthermore, I intend to purchase additional goats, a venture that has the potential to meet my ongoing needs. As these goats reproduce, I will be able to not only care for them but also sell them, providing a consistent source of income to meet my needs."