"After taking my goats to the market the next morning, I was pleased to see that I made a profit of $10 per goat. The success of that sale encouraged me to invest more in livestock, which is something I am passionate about. With $150, I decided to purchase three sheep, not for immediate resale, but as a long-term investment. I believe in the value of livestock farming, especially with sheep, because they multiply easily and don’t require as much attention as goats. In our area, we have plenty of farmland, making it ideal for keeping sheep, and I see them as a future safety net for my family. Livestock farming has always been a smart choice for me, particularly when thinking about the future. Sheep can provide income when needed, and knowing that I have something to fall back on brings me peace of mind. Additionally, with the floods that recently destroyed our farm, I’ve realized how important it is to have different sources of income. That’s why I’m committed to continuing my livestock business, as it gives me hope even when other things go wrong. Finally, I used the remaining $30 to buy food for my family. Our crops were swept away by floods, so food has been a challenge for us recently. With five people in the household, it's important to keep everyone fed, and this money came at the perfect time. I’m grateful to have a stable way to provide for my family through both farming and livestock trading, with my wife by my side helping me in all the work. The future feels more secure now, knowing we are building something sustainable. "

"The biggest difference in my life after receiving the transfer is having a proper bed. Before, I was sleeping on the ground with just a mattress, which made me feel tired and gave me back pain every morning. Now, with the new bed, I sleep comfortably and wake up feeling refreshed. It has improved my health and my mood, making my days much easier. I am so happy because I no longer have to suffer from the discomfort of sleeping on the floor. This bed has truly changed my life for the better, and I’m very grateful."

"The biggest difference I've seen since receiving the unconditional cash from GiveDirectly is that I was finally able to buy four chairs and a sofa set. Before the transfers, I used to sit on logs outside, or worse, I had to borrow seats from my neighbors. That never sat well with me, especially because people would talk behind my back, saying things like, I used to be a teacher, but I can't even afford to buy proper seats. It hurt because teaching didn't pay much, and I eventually quit because of the meager salary. But now, thanks to the cash, I no longer have to rely on anyone for something as basic as furniture, and that sense of independence feels incredible."

"I was going about my usual day, managing my small kiosk, when suddenly my phone buzzed. I glanced down, and there it was—a message notifying me that I had received money from GiveDirectly. I was overwhelmed with joy and immediately shared the exciting news with my wife. We had already talked about what to do if we ever got such support, and the plan was to improve our house. You see, whenever it rains, our home floods badly, causing all kinds of problems. "

"I used the transfer to pay workers to help me harvest, which made a big difference because, in the past, I would have had to find casual jobs just to raise enough money. That would mean spending valuable time working elsewhere instead of focusing on my farm. Sometimes, I’d also borrow from neighbors, but borrowing comes with its stress—people expect their money back quickly, even when you don’t have it. The pressure to repay would hang over me for weeks, making things hard. With the cash I received, I avoided all that hassle and stress. More importantly, I didn’t have to take on any debt. I could handle everything smoothly, and now, I can plan better for the next season. The harvest was completed without delays, and I have peace of mind knowing I owe no one. "

"I  was at the farm, busy weeding my tomatoes, when I suddenly heard a message notification on my phone. My neighbor was with me at the time, and just as I was wondering what the message could be, her daughter came running over to tell us that her mother had received the transfers from GiveDirectly. I quickly checked my phone, and there it was—the money had come through! I was overjoyed, and we celebrated right there in the field, laughing and thanking God. I already knew exactly what I was going to do: buy stakes for my tomatoes to keep them upright and finally pay the dowry for my wife."

"When I received the cash transfer, I first leased half an acre of land for $40 to plant beans. I’ve always wanted to grow beans, but my land was flooded and unsuitable. I used part of the money to buy 20 kilograms of bean seed and paid $8 for labor to help with the planting. Later, I spent another $8 on herbicides to spray the farm and keep it free from weeds. The floods not only ruined my land but also swept away most of our clothes. My children had nothing decent to wear, so I spent $40 on clothing to replace what we lost. It was a relief to see them dressed properly again, especially since they had been going through a difficult time with the floods. On top of that, my son in Grade 3 had school fee arrears, and I needed to clear them to keep him in school, so I used $40 to settle his balance. The remaining amount went toward food since my business had been struggling, and we needed to ensure we wouldn’t go hungry. This cash transfer has truly been a lifeline, helping me handle urgent needs and keep my family afloat during a tough season."

"Immediately after receiving $180 from GiveDirectly, I used $60 to take my son back to school. He had been home for a week due to a lack of school fees, and it was a stressful time for me because I didn’t want his education to be interrupted. Now he’s back in school, and I’m very grateful for that. Next, I addressed the food situation at home. The floods had swept away my farm, leaving me with no harvest. I used $34 to buy food for my family, ensuring we had regular meals during that difficult time. I also used $60 to take my other child, who was sick, to the hospital. The floods brought cold weather, and diseases were common, but thanks to GiveDirectly, my child is now back to good health. Lastly, I spent the remaining money on clothes for my family, and we all appreciated the support. This assistance has made a big difference in our lives."

"Upon receiving $200 from GiveDirectly, I decided to use the money exactly as I had planned. I allocated $40 to support my grandchild’s education, as he stays with me during the holidays, and I wanted to contribute to his schooling. Next, I wanted to improve my comfort, so I spent $60 on a mattress and bed. Previously, I had been sleeping on makeshift bedding, but now I look forward to bedtime because of the comfort that comes with the new setup. I also used $40 to buy a sheep, which I believe will help me face future challenges as it multiplies. I can sell the sheep later to generate income. Lastly, I spent the remaining money on food, ensuring there is enough at home. Before, I used to skip meals, but now I have enough to eat regularly."

"The biggest difference in my life since I started receiving cash transfers from GiveDirectly has been my ability to get back to farming after the floods. Previously, my one-acre tomato farm was swept away by the floods, which affected me deeply since it was my only source of income. I felt lost and uncertain about the future. However, with the support from GiveDirectly, I was able to return to farming. I found a much safer piece of land, away from the threat of floods, where I could plant tomatoes again. This opportunity has brought me so much joy and relief. I am incredibly grateful for the help I received, as it has allowed me to regain my passion for farming and secure a means of income for my family. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I am back to doing what I love, and I look forward to a better future."