Having successfully marked the boundaries of my land and being mindful of the demarcations, my focus now shifts to another parcel adjacent to the river. My goal is to establish a strong fence around this additional farm. Currently, I am in discussions with the neighbors on both sides of the land, seeking their collaboration in the fencing project. The idea is to create a unified perimeter fence that aligns with the needs of all involved, facilitating seamless tractor tilling without individual fences in between. To finance this venture, I have been diligently saving from my taxi business. These funds are earmarked to contribute to the construction of the fence, a crucial step in ensuring a secure environment for cultivating crops without the threat of livestock invasion, which has been a persistent challenge in the past. The collaborative effort with neighbors and the strategic use of savings aim to lay the foundation for a more efficient farming endeavor.

Cash support has proven to be the most impactful assistance one could receive, turning our goals into reality. GiveDirectly has facilitated this for the first time in my lifetime, significantly contributing to the success of our plans. Despite initial trust issues that some had upon enrollment, the organization not only delivered as promised but also granted us the freedom to spend the funds as we saw fit. The surprise and satisfaction within the community were palpable. I sincerely hope that GiveDirectly continues its commendable work in other communities, employing the same effective approach they used for us. The inclusive enrollment process, coupled with clear communication from the visiting staff, minimized complaints and ensured that everyone had a fair chance to benefit from this transformative initiative. My prayer is for GiveDirectly to extend its positive impact to more communities, bringing about positive change just as it did for us.

We used to live on a big piece of land that extended from the top of the hills down to the stream in the valley. It was challenging because we did not have clear boundaries, and we relied on rocks or trees as improvised markers. Selling or dividing the land was difficult, often leading to conflicts with neighbors over unclear boundaries. The relief came when we received the transfer, which helped cover the surveyor's cost for subdividing the land and assigning plot numbers. I paid $100 for the acre of land where my house is situated, and now the boundaries are clear. However, after the subdivision, I realized my current house was right on the boundary, so I am starting a new foundation deeper into my land for a new house. I have spent $66 on 5 iron sheets and $30 on labor for leveling the foundation. I plan to use the remaining funds to buy poles and barbed wire for fencing and some food to sustain myself until the final transfer arrives, especially since I currently live alone. I will also supplement my food expenses with earnings from my motorbike taxi business, which brings in an average of $4 a day. The support has been crucial in making these necessary changes to my living situation.

Receiving the initial transfer from GiveDirectly was a heartening experience for me, as it arrived at a time when I had a specific issue I needed to resolve. Although the exact date of receipt was uncertain, we were informed about the month. The arrival of the funds took me by surprise, but I swiftly connected the dots and understood that it was indeed from GiveDirectly after going through the message. Even though I received it as early as 3:00 pm, I could not immediately collect the funds, so I patiently waited until the next day after aligning my goals. Living on my own, I had my own set of plans and goals that the money would assist me in achieving.

The most significant change in my daily life following the receipt of my initial transfer is the commencement of the fencing project around my land. This endeavor has brought about a crucial shift in ensuring the protection of my crops, as it effectively prevents the recurring issue of animal intrusion. As a result, I am optimistic about achieving improved harvests in the upcoming planting season. The support I have received has been invaluable, and I am eagerly anticipating the potential for further positive changes in the time ahead.

Upon receiving my second transfer from GiveDirectly, I immediately addressed a pressing issue that had been causing me significant losses—animal intrusion on my farm, leading to crop destruction due to the absence of a perimeter fence. Prioritizing this concern, I invested $120 to purchase five chainlinks and successfully erected a robust fence that now ensures the safety of my crops in the upcoming planting season and promises improved harvests. I also repaired my motorcycle taxi business, which had been temporarily halted due to worn-out tires that I could not afford to replace. Allocating $40, I purchased and installed new tires, enabling me to resume offering transportation services to individuals and goods between the shopping center and various destinations. In addition, I allocated $12 to deworm my 29 goats and set aside $16 to acquire 20 poles for the construction of a goat house. To sustain my family's well-being, I used $70 to purchase essentials such as sugar and maize flour, which continue to be beneficial.