I'm looking forward to completing the fencing around my land as I wait for the rainy season to begin. I plan to start farming crops, specifically maize and beans, which will help ensure I have enough food. In our area, we lack a water source for irrigation, so I intend to do timely planting. By preparing early and gathering all the necessary resources before the rains. I've already started enriching my farm's soil by applying manure from my goats. This natural fertilizer will make the land more fertile and nutrient-rich, which should help my crops grow better. It also means I can save money by not having to buy commercial fertilizers during the planting season.

The support I received from GiveDirectly has had a positive impact on me. Receiving unconditional cash assistance allowed me to address my most pressing challenges effectively. What touched me the most was the follow-up from GiveDirectly officers. They made sure I received the support, used it wisely, and protected me from potential theft. Their dedication is truly admirable, and I hope they continue to help more people in need.

When I received my last transfer from GiveDirectly, I decided to focus on building myself a better house. Before, I lived in a small, old mud-walled house. It was so worn that outsiders could see inside, and because of its condition, visitors refused to stay. Additionally, I had to cook outside since the house was too small, except during rain when I had to manage it somehow. I utilized $350 from the transfer and built a new room made of iron sheets for both walls and roofing. Now, I have a much better place to live and have turned the old house into a kitchen. Another big issue was my sleeping arrangements. I used to sleep on old rags, which was very uncomfortable. So, I bought a mattress costing $15 and to ensure I have food, I spent $45. Moreover, I set aside $50 to complete my fencing I had started with my second transfer which I ran out of money before completion. Thank you GiveDirectly for your support.

Constructing a fence around my land proved to be a costly endeavor, with $85 spent on materials, making it challenging to complete the project in one go. In the coming year and beyond, my plan is to gradually acquire additional fencing materials to address the remaining gaps before proceeding to prepare the land for planting desired crops. I also aim to extend the fencing to the immediate compound around my household. This extension is crucial in safeguarding the immediate environment, allowing me to cultivate vegetables and fruits without the threat of destruction by goats. The phased approach to completing the fencing project aligns with my financial capacity while ensuring the protection and productivity of both my land and immediate surroundings.

In my perspective, GiveDirectly has been remarkably supportive, not only in sensitization and information-sharing but also in its approach, which fostered a comfortable environment for everyone to freely communicate and ask questions regarding the transfers. The friendly approach experienced in our village raises the hope that similar positive interactions are occurring in other villages yet to receive such support. Personally, I have nothing against the entire program, only expressing hope that its conclusion may not come too soon, given the positive impact it has had on the community.

Living with my granddaughter, who attends a nearby primary school, brings great joy as we keep each other company. To ensure our well-being, I spent $57 on foodstuff, including maize and beans, ensuring we no longer miss a meal. With plans to construct a better house, I have been gradually acquiring construction materials. So far, I have purchased 10 iron sheets and a kilogram of nails, totaling $115. Saving $80 for labor charges, I aim to start construction soon. Additionally, I erected a strong fence around my land with chainlink and barbed wires, investing $85 to prevent animal invasion. Despite not planting yet, I anticipate better produce once I do. Transporting materials incurred an $84 cost, and with the remaining $29, I bought other household goods that were missing. This support from GiveDirectly has significantly contributed to improving our living conditions, and we look forward to a brighter future.

It had been a long day for me and my family. After running up and down, I was certain that I would go to bed on an empty stomach as we did not have anything for food on that day. As I was still full of thoughts, one of my children came and informed me that GiveDirectly had sent the promised transfer. At this moment, my heart was filled with joy on hearing such great news. I immediately contacted my helper who in turned helped me in buying for some maize flour that we would use in making dinner for the family as a way of celebrating the good news.

Living in an arid area comes with lots of challenges one being hunger. Since I was young, I have known life full of misery where one can only afford a single meal a day or none at all. With the transfer, my life has transformed for the better. For some time now, I have been assured of at least a single meal a day. This, I do not take for granted and I thank GiveDirectly for making this possible.

Upon receiving my first transfer, I spent $15 in the purchase of a barbed wire and heavy gauge chain link. I am planning to use these materials to fence a small portion of my land. By doing so, I'll be able to plant seasonal crops during rainy season and go on with my daily activities without worrying that my crops will be destroyed by livestock. This will not only guarantee increased harvest but also food security for my family. Using the remaining $3, I purchased some maize flour for our consumption. I am glad that this has enabled my family to take at least a single meal in a day unlike before when we would at times go for days without food.