GDLive Newsfeed
We check in with people at each stage of the cash transfer process to see how things are going. Take a look at some of their stories as they appear here in real-time. Learn more about how recipients opt in to share their stories.
Stages:
 
Enrollment
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Transfers
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Completed
Newsfeed > Alfred's Profile
Alfred's family
Alfred
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Subsistence farming
faceAge:
27
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($310 USD)
access_time 7 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Looking ahead, my focus will remain on my farming activities. I plan to implement crop rotation by transitioning from maize farming to cultivating tomatoes. Additionally, I aim to save a significant portion of the income generated from the farm. This accumulation of funds will be dedicated to realizing my aspiration of constructing my dream house.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I greatly appreciate how GiveDirectly carries out its recipient selection process with fairness and transparency. Unlike some other organizations I am aware of, there's no room for corruption. This approach ensures that even individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, like myself and others in my village, have an equal opportunity to benefit from the support provided by GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have been renting out my property for a while now since I don't have the money to invest in farming. This was a necessary choice given the significant financial demands of farming and my little earnings from irregular casual labor. I dreamed of creating my own successful tomato farm while working on other people's tomato fields. The most recent transfer gave me the chance to realize this goal. I allocated the entire amount to this endeavor, investing in land preparation, purchasing essential inputs like tomato seedlings and fertilizers, and paying for labor. I am delighted to report that my tomato crops are thriving, and a promising harvest is anticipated. The income generated will contribute to a larger, more comfortable dwelling for my family, as our current one-room setup serves both as a kitchen and bedroom.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($326 USD)
access_time 10 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Looking ahead to the upcoming year and beyond, my aspiration is to construct a comfortable house for my family and expand our land holdings. To achieve this dream, I have planned to gradually save money from our farm. I hold a hopeful outlook that with perseverance and time, I will be able to turn this vision into a reality. Most importantly, I am deeply grateful for all the accomplishments I have achieved thus far on my journey.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I was impressed by the operations of GiveDirectly, as they were conducted with great insight. The officers responsible for the census and registration process introduced the program effectively, providing us with comprehensive information. They ensured that our consent was sought before enrolling us, and they valued our opinions by allowing us ample time to express ourselves and treating our thoughts with the utmost respect.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receiving my second transfer, I made the decision to allocate the funds towards fulfilling a long-cherished dream of cultivating tomatoes, a more profitable crop with a readily available market. However, this pursuit had been challenging in the past due to unreliable sources of income, as it requires a substantial investment. My wife and I are farmers. Together, we are blessed with a child. With the $300 received from the transfer, we were able to fully prepare our farm for the upcoming planting season. Additionally, we allocated $62 towards purchasing a sack of maize and $23 for other essential food supplies. Furthermore, I invested $35 in acquiring manure to enrich our soil. As a final purchase, I acquired a solar lamp for $30. These achievements have filled me with gratitude and a deep sense of contentment and happiness.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
18010 KES ($135 USD)
access_time 12 months ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 4:00 p.m. when I received a message from GiveDirectly that confirmed receipt of the first transfer. Upon reading the message and seeing the specified amount, it was straightforward to comprehend. I promptly notified my family, and we came together in the evening to devise a plan to collect the money from the nearby shopping center. We successfully collected the entire amount on the following day since we needed to start buying food.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Receiving the transfer from GiveDirectly was a game changer for my farming techniques. Previously, I struggled to acquire certified seeds and fertilizer, making it difficult to grow nutritious crops. However, with the added income, I was able to purchase high-quality seeds and fertilizer, which considerably changed my hopes of getting increased my crop yield. I expect the results to be healthy and bountiful, which will not only feed my family but also produce extra revenue from the surplus. The positive impact of the transfer is obvious, and I am grateful for the support that has made the biggest difference in my farming efforts.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I had a lot to do with my family when I received the first transfer because we had been constantly planning since we enrolled in in the program. I set out to buy a sack of maize, among additional supplies and basic needs, with the $110 transfer I received from GiveDirectly. As I carefully selected the items, I couldn't help but be appreciative of the timely support that would change a lot of things in my family of three. I also spent $115 of the remaining funds to pay someone to till my property and buy maize seeds and fertilizer. I am relieved that the entire plot of land has finally been planted, and we anticipate a good harvest in the future. Because my family relies largely on farming for a living, I was confident that this investment would provide a good harvest that would last us for months. With fresh hope and purpose, I planted the maize and tended to it on a daily basis, eagerly anticipating the day it would be ready for harvest.
 
Enrolled
access_time 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
As a breadwinner, my family of 4 looks up to me for provision. However, at times there can be backlash for lack of finances to achieve this. As a family, we depend on farming for a living but unfortunately, the adverse climatic changes have cut down the produce to almost half the usual harvest. With this, we have run into losses hence the need for an alternative income-generating activity. When I receive these transfers, I intend to use $ 100 on purchasing 4 goats that will breed and add in numbers hence an investment. As an immediate response plan, I will purchase 1 bag of maize and beans to last my household 3 months. I will be excited that we will be both financially stable as well as food secure.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Everyone wishes to get a financial breakthrough amidst a crisis. With the introduction of the presidential hustler fund, I could not hide my joy for this was the commencement of a dream come through. Even if I am only eligible for $5, I am glad that I was able to purchase food for my family of 4 hence achieving as a breadwinner.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Since the onset of Covid 19, our country's economy has been affected negatively. For instance, food provision for my family of 4 is almost a nightmare. Milk and maize are among the basic needs whose prices have skyrocketed and I can almost not meet the needs of my family. It pains me that the sources of funds have also been limited albeit the situation at hand. Furthermore, climatic changes have also affected immensely the economic activities such as farming that I used to depend on to raise my family. At the tip of the iceberg, is the charcoal ban that has brought a pinch to my financial status.