Embarking on proper farming of fruits like mangoes and pawpaw holds the promise of transforming my financial situation. I firmly believe that this venture will not only provide me with a stable income but also give me the means to take care of various expenses at home, including paying school fees on time. Farming fruits can be a lucrative endeavor, especially given the demand for fresh and healthy produce. By focusing on high-quality mangoes and pawpaw, I aim to establish a reputation for providing excellent fruits, attracting more customers and boosting sales. One of my other aspirations is to purchase a dairy cow, which will be another important source of income for my family. Dairy farming can provide a steady stream of revenue through milk sales, and the surplus can be used to support other aspects of our livelihood. Not only will it improve our financial situation, but it will also enhance our overall quality of life. The struggles I am facing now will become stepping stones to success, and I will be able to overcome financial challenges with confidence and resilience.

I am thrilled to share that my farm is now protected, thanks to the fence I installed. This added security has motivated me to take my farming endeavors to new heights. With the assurance that my crops and livestock are safe from outside threats, I feel more confident and enthusiastic about cultivating my land and caring for my animals. The sight of them flourishing fills my heart with happiness, knowing that this investment will contribute to my family's financial status in the long run. One of the most significant challenges I faced before was food scarcity. I had to rely on casual jobs to provide for my family, which often left me with little time and resources for farming. I now have enough food at home, and I can dedicate plenty of time to work on my farm, ensuring a more sustainable source of nutrition for my family. This transformation in my life has given me a renewed sense of purpose and determination. I am deeply grateful for the transfers that has enabled me to overcome obstacles and take significant steps towards a better life.

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.

Despite the negative impact of drought, which has destroyed a significant portion of our farm produce, I have been depending on subsistence farming, which I intend to enhance in the coming year. As soon as the rain begins, I plan to rent more land, prepare it for planting, and grow maize. The maize will serve as a source of food for my family and an additional surplus to sell, generating income to cover household expenses and pay for my children's school fees.

GiveDirectly has impressed us with its clarity and professionalism throughout the enrollment and disbursement of the first and second transfers. They have ensured that everyone in our village understands every aspect of the process. Thanks to the free cash transfer from GiveDirectly, I was able to build a good fence around my farm to protect my crops from stray livestock, something I never thought would be possible. The entire process was transparent, and the officers adhered to all the terms discussed in the initial meeting without introducing any new conditions along the way.

After experiencing many years of poverty, I was extremely grateful when I successfully enrolled in GiveDirectly's cash transfer program, knowing that it could have a life-changing impact on my family. Despite having a husband, his alcohol addiction has made it impossible for him to support us financially, thus making me to work extra hard in otder to provide the daily meal and pay other household bills. Additionally, he has broken his arm twice and is unable to work. Taking care of my one-year-old baby also means that I cannot work away from home except on weekends. When I received the second transfer, I used $239 to buy chain links and a barbed wire for the fence, pay for transport and labor, and fenced around my compound to prevent stray livestock from invading. I also spent $100 on food, kitchenware worth $10, and paid school fees for my daughter in secondary school, ensuring that my two children in secondary school and one in polytechnic had no arrears. With the help of GiveDirectly, I hope to continue to pay for my children's education in the coming months.

The moment I received my cash transfer, I was able to visit my ailing mother back home. I was scrolling through the phone when I noticed that I had a Mpesa notification message pop up. I wasn't expecting any money from anyone that evening, however, I still went ahead to check with curiosity about whom might have sent the money. It was then I realized that it was money sent from GiveDirectly. I was so grateful for the gift of cash and I thanked God. I knew this would uplift my life.

I'm delighted to have initiated a poultry project that gets my family an extra source of income. I'm also glad that my family will have enough food for the entire drought season that we are experiencing. This is because of the bag of maize that I purchased. The support from the organizations brought happiness and wiped my tear.

I normally rely on casual jobs and farming which help me earn an income that caters to my needs and those of my children. It's barely enough though to care for all our needs. My husband does casual jobs as well although outside of our village. We have seven kids. Upon receipt of my cash transfer, I spent $25 to buy chicken that I rear for business as well as for them to provide us with eggs for home consumption. I spent $55 to purchase a bag of maize, and $50 was spent to purchase a goat. This would have been tough to do because of financial constraints. I am happy to have been able to boost my income through the cash transfer.