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.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I heard the news, my heart raced with excitement. I was at a nearby farm, doing casual work with my neighbor, when he mentioned that money had arrived. Unfortunately, I didn't have my phone with me because it was charging in town, so I couldn't confirm it myself. However, when I finally got my phone in the evening and saw the message, I was overjoyed! I had been dreaming of owning a cow again since mine had died from illness. I had been taking care of other people's cows, but it didn't feel right without having one of my own. This money gave me hope, and I was eager to use it to buy a new cow.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Before receiving the cash transfer, I felt hopeless and unable to buy a cow after losing my last one. I have always loved keeping livestock, but the death of my cow made me lose hope. My farm was supposed to provide income for buying livestock, but floods swept it away, leaving me with nothing. However, after getting the transfer, my hope was restored. I was finally able to purchase a cow again, which made me feel happy and motivated. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I can now start my livestock business once more and work towards a better future.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The day I got the cash transfer, I knew exactly how I would spend it. I immediately bought a cow for $140, which I consider an important asset. A cow is more than just livestock; it’s an investment. In case of an emergency, I can sell it to cover urgent expenses. Having this cow makes me feel secure, knowing that I have something valuable to rely on in the future. This is my way of planning ahead, especially since life can be unpredictable.With $20, I bought some food to stock up, just a little bit since I only have one child, and the food will last us for a while. I used $10 to buy a plastic table, which may sound small, but it has been really useful. I already had one table, but I wanted a portable one that I could carry outside to enjoy my morning tea in the fresh air. It’s these small comforts that make life feel a bit more enjoyable, and now, I have that.The remaining $30 went to paying for my wife's college fees. She’s studying, and it’s been a challenge to manage her school fees. In the past, we’ve had to rely on fundraising or my income from farming, but this transfer made it much easier. I feel proud that I could support her education without much struggle this time. My boda boda business brings in about $10 a day, which helps with the rest of our daily needs, but this transfer has really helped us manage things better.
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access_time 4 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Despite the setbacks I faced with the maize plantation being washed away by flash floods 3 months ago, I have not lost hope in farming. I have been eyeing tomato farming as a new venture because it is thriving here with high profits. This could complement my motorcycle taxi business and help support my family of two. I am optimistic because I am expecting some transfers soon, which will finally allow me to pursue my dream of owning a tomato plantation. I plan to spend $650 towards cultivating tomatoes on a quarter-acre plot that I hope to lease from my neighbors. Additionally, $100 will go towards my daughter's playgroup school fees. The remainder of the transfers will be invested in goats, providing a future source of income for my family. I am looking forward to this opportunity to diversify and secure a stable future for us.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Running a motorcycle taxi business does not always ensure consistent profits. It heavily depends on whether there are customers needing rides, especially since it is one of the main transport options to Marigat town from here. Some days, I earn as little as $3, and on good days, I can earn up to $10. Just recently, I was thrilled to make a profit of $12 in a single day, which is the highest I have earned since starting this business a year ago. It is moments like these that remind me of the potential in this venture despite its uncertainties.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I run a motorcycle taxi business and also work as a farmer. Back in March 2024, I planted maize on a one-acre plot, hoping to provide food and income for myself and my family. Sadly, just a month later, flash floods swept through and wiped out all my crops, leaving my land barren. It hit me hard because I had leased that land and now I am struggling to recover from the losses. Right now, I cannot afford to lease another piece of land, and it breaks my heart. Not being able to grow my own food means I will have to buy it with the profits from my motorcycle taxi business. It is a challenging situation, but I am hoping for better days ahead.
