Even though I did not earn anything from planting tomatoes, I still have hope for agriculture. My plan now is to continue struggling with farming to ensure I earn something. With the income I make, I intend to open a cereals business in town. By doing so, I will be able to pay my children’s fees and cover their basic needs, as well as build a better home for my family.

What I am impressed by with GiveDirectly is how you fulfill your promises. The money arrives exactly when promised, and there is no bribery or corruption involved in acquiring the funds. However, one area for improvement would be to provide the cash in two larger phases, such as $550 initially and $550 as the final amount, rather than in three phases. The first phase is often too small to plan a significant project, and waiting for the subsequent transfers can lead to emergencies that deplete the funds before they can be fully invested.

I am very sad to tell you that all the money I invested in farming has been lost. I used the entire $450 to invest in agriculture, planting tomatoes. This included buying seeds, planting them, spraying, and weeding. Unfortunately, the entire crop was swept away by floods, leaving me back at square one. I had hoped to earn a profit and reinvest in other ventures, but now I’m left without capital. My husband and I are both farmers, and we have three children to take care of. We were very grateful when we received the money from GiveDirectly, and it is heartbreaking to see it all lost.

For the coming years and beyond, my goal is to diversify and expand my kiosk business by incorporating cereals like beans and maize into my product offerings. I see this as a valuable opportunity, considering that many of my fellow villagers currently have to travel long distances to purchase these essential commodities since none are offering them. I am excited about the potential to serve my neighbours while growing my business by providing these items locally, saving them from the inconvenience of long walks.

In my opinion, GiveDirectly is doing an excellent job by offering us unconditional cash transfers tailored to our individual needs. The direct deposit into our accounts ensures timely and convenient access to the funds, eliminating the risk of delays or discrepancies that may arise when intermediaries are involved. However, I do wish that the transfers could be provided in two installments instead of three, as this would grant us the opportunity to make more significant investments with the funds received.

I am delighted to share that I've made a significant investment of $400 in purchasing pipes to draw water from Lake Baringo, enhancing irrigation practices on my farm. This decision was prompted by the necessity to improve water management and boost overall irrigation efficiency. Previously, my farm suffered from low productivity due to limited access to water, leading to frequent disruptions and reduced yields as I struggled to borrow equipment. There were instances when the equipment would be taken back before we could complete our work, resulting in negative impacts on our crop yields. However, the installation of the pipes has effectively addressed these challenges, allowing me to irrigate my crops more efficiently. Already, I am seeing promising results, particularly with the thriving tomatoes I recently planted under the improved irrigation system. This investment fills me with happiness and optimism for a bountiful harvest, which, combined with the income from my village kiosk business, will enable me to provide more comfortably for my family of three. With the remaining amount, I purchased food to sustain my family, and I am truly grateful for the support provided by the transfer.

As I returned from tending to our home garden with my three children, our neighbors excitedly mentioned they had received funds from GiveDirectly. Curiously, I checked my phone, but no message had appeared. I Patiently waited until the following morning, yet still no notification arrived. It wasn't until I verified my balance that I discovered an additional $200—a sudden rush of joy flooded through me. Eagerly, I awaited my husband's return from the farm, and when I shared the news with him later that evening, his face lit up with happiness. We embraced the moment, grateful for the support from GiveDirectly, as it meant our plans could now move forward with renewed confidence.

The support from Givedirectly has been transformative for our family. It's brought an incredible sense of peace and renewed hope for our dream of acquiring a generator and irrigation pipes. Before, the sight of our unplanted land was disheartening, but now, thanks to this support, we're on the path to making our project a reality and securing our future.The contrast is stark: from the sadness of watching our land lay barren to the growing possibility we now witness. Givedirectly has ignited this journey toward fulfilling our aspirations and ensuring sustainability. We're immensely grateful for this opportunity, and our gratitude knows no bounds. Thank you, GiveDirectly, for making this significant difference in our lives.

Receiving $200 from Give directly was a game-changer for us. With our three kids in mind, I set aside $20 for a surprise, treating them to new clothes. Their smiles were priceless, making the support from GiveDirectly truly memorable. The remaining $180 became our lifeline for a bigger dream: transforming our barren one-acre land into a flourishing farm. We urgently needed a generator and pipes for irrigation, vital tools to kick start our agricultural project. The total cost stood at $80, leaving us with a crucial balance to achieve our goal. Struggling before to borrow tools brought constant inconveniences. Sometimes, they'd be taken back before we finished, impacting our crop yields negatively. With subsistence farming as our primary income source, a small shop alongside my husband raising 10 goats isn't enough to sustain our family's needs. With irrigation, our vision of a sustainable future feels within reach. The prospect of cultivating our land, free from uncertainties, holds the promise of stability. It's not just about growing crops; it's about securing a thriving future for our family.