In the upcoming year and beyond, my goal is to enhance my farming activities by transitioning from the lengthy cultivation cycle of maize to the cultivation of short-season tomatoes, which I am confident will thrive in the present weather conditions. Although tomato farming demands substantial investment and engagement, the post-harvest profits are consistently rewarding. With the support of my husband, I am optimistic about achieving success in this venture.

For a prolonged period, our lives were marred by poverty until GiveDirectly's intervention, which has brought significant relief through the three sets of transfers we received. GiveDirectly stands apart due to its distinctive approach; unlike other organizations that have displayed selectivity in their recipients, often biased in nature, GiveDirectly ensured fairness by granting equal freedom to all recipients to utilize the funds as they saw fit. I have no specific recommendations for changes, but I hope that GiveDirectly will continue to provide vital support to our community and others in need, much as it has done before.

I spent the final transfer from GiveDirectly on the construction of a new kitchen for my family of eight. Previously, we had a small makeshift structure with a grass roof and mud walls, but unfortunately, rain had destroyed it. Presently, I have a strong kitchen with iron sheet walls and a roof, the construction of which amounted to $300. This improved setting allows me to prepare meals for my family in a safe environment shielded from rain and protected against the risk of fire being blown off by strong winds that previously entered through wall crevices. Furthermore, I utilized the remaining $150 to support the maize harvest from a 3/4-acre plot of land. The outcome was 21 bags, each weighing 90 kg. With ample food supplies for my family, I have sold 10 bags for $500. The proceeds will be employed to fence the farm to prevent damage from zebras and stray livestock that used to invade my crops.

In the coming year and beyond, I pray to God for a bountiful harvest from my maize and tomato plantations. With this hopeful expectation, my ultimate goal is to purchase an additional acre of land to supplement the two acres that I already own. This expansion will play a vital role in expanding my plantation, thereby increasing productivity at the end of each season. Furthermore, I aspire to fence around the available land, safeguarding it from the intrusion of stray zebras and other wild animals from the nearby game reserve. This protective measure is crucial to preserving our crops and preventing the destructive impact that these animals have had in the past. Through these aspirations, I aim to create a more sustainable agriculture.

GiveDirectly has consistently demonstrated excellence in their work, for which we are deeply grateful. The provision of monetary support has far surpassed any other form of support we have received in the past. The freedom to make choices that directly address our specific challenges has been instrumental in positively impacting our lives. However, one area where GiveDirectly could improve is by offering additional resources or guidance on how to maximize the long-term impact of the funds provided. This could include workshops or educational materials on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, or other skills that would empower individuals and communities to build sustainable futures beyond the immediate support.

With the second transfer, I optimized the maize plantation through an investment of $140 in purchasing four 50-kg bags of top dressing fertilizers. This allocation aimed to enhance the growth and yield of my three-acre maize farm, despite the challenges posed by the devastating drought. To further diversify my agricultural activities, I acquired certified tomato seedlings from reputable vendors in Naivasha, spending $120. In the face of the harsh climatic conditions, I took a proactive approach by leasing a three-acre piece of land situated near a reliable stream that has consistently provided water for irrigation. Currently, the maize plants have entered the flowering stage, and I remain hopeful that they will retain sufficient water to reach maturity. I anticipate a bumper harvest that will not only serve as a vital food source for my family but also provide surplus produce for sale. I also spent $70 on purchasing dry maize grains to sustain my family of eight. This investment in food would help meet our immediate dietary needs. Additionally, I used $55 to pay school fees for my son, who had recently joined Form 1, ensuring that his educational journey continues uninterrupted. Without forgetting clothing and footwear, I dedicated the remaining $65 to buying clothes and pairs of shoes for my six children. Their excitement and gratitude upon receiving this support were heartwarming, reaffirming the positive impact these provisions have on their lives.

The memory of receiving my money is still fresh in my mind. I was working on the farm when my phone rang. Initially, I thought it was a message from my service provider, but upon checking, I realized that Segovia Technology had sent me money. The joy I felt was indescribable. As soon as I got home, I shared the good news with my spouse, who was equally thrilled. We wasted no time in planning how to use the transfer now that we had funds available.

The most significant change in my daily life is the financial assistance I received, which enables me to purchase foodstuffs with ease and invest in my farming activities. Previously, this was not possible due to financial constraints. I am now optimistic that in a few months, I will have an abundant harvest that will provide enough food for my family. I will forever be grateful for the gift that has transformed my life.

My spouse and I are farmers, and we have been blessed with two children. Receiving money from GiveDirectly has been a tremendous blessing in our lives as it has enabled us to meet our daily needs comfortably. Previously, we often went to bed hungry due to financial constraints. After receiving the transfer, I spent $90 on buying foodstuffs, and I also took my daughter to the hospital where we used $33. Lastly, I used $27 to improve our farming activities. Having enough food in the house gives me a sense of fulfillment as a parent because I am confident that my family will not lack. This was not the case before because we did not have a stable source of income. I am grateful for the support that has significantly uplifted our lives.