My primary goal is to use the income from my farm harvest to establish a chicken-rearing business because I believe it has less competition compared to running a shop at home. This venture feels more practical and sustainable, offering a reliable source of income to support my family. The earnings from the chicken business will be used to pay for my children’s school fees, which is my top priority. I am confident in this plan, as it aligns well with my skills and the resources I have available. I believe this approach will not only provide financial stability but also improve the overall quality of life for my family. With optimism, I see this as a clear pathway to creating a better and more secure future for us all.

The GiveDirectly officers educated us about the cash transfer, emphasizing that although the money was unconditional, it should be used wisely and with proper planning. They spoke respectfully and without any form of harassment, making the process smooth and encouraging. The guidance they provided helped me better manage the funds and plan effectively for the future. Everything about GiveDirectly’s approach was well-organized and thoughtful. I did not notice anything negative in my interactions with the organization. Overall, I am grateful for the support and have no suggestions for improvement, as everything was handled excellently.

Life took a challenging turn for me and my family after floods destroyed our farm, washing away ripening vegetables, maize, and even the trees we relied on for burning charcoal. We were left with no food and a looming loan from Kenya Seed that financed the lost crops. It was a heartbreaking struggle, especially with two young children to care for. However, when I received the unconditional cash transfer, it felt like a ray of hope that finally allowed us to recover and rebuild. I carefully planned how to use the money to address both immediate needs and long-term stability for my family. With $150, I purchased three goats to secure a steady supply of milk for my children. Buying milk from the shop at $1 per liter was unsustainable and not even enough for them to drink daily. The goats will not only reduce our expenses but also provide future income through breeding. I also invested $155 in agriculture, buying a knapsack sprayer, vegetable seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and fuel to pump water from the river. I knew this investment in crop production would yield profits and help ensure we have enough food at home. To focus on farming without the constant worry of looking for food, I spent $58 on groceries, ensuring my family had enough to eat during this recovery phase. Additionally, I used $80 to buy clothes and shoes for my family, as we had no proper attire for outings or even daily needs. With the remaining $12, I purchased a large cooking pot, which was much needed for my growing family. Before the floods, life was tough, with casual jobs and farming barely sustaining us. Now, thanks to the transfer, I feel hopeful and more stable. My family has food, plans for future income through farming and livestock, and a chance to rebuild a better life.

I was on my farm around 3 p.m., harvesting maize with my husband and a relative. I had put my phone aside, and while taking a short rest, I decided to check it to confirm the time. To my surprise, I saw a message and realized that I had received my money from GiveDirectly. I was so happy! I hadn’t expected to finish harvesting our maize on time; we thought we would have to do it alone as a family, which would take longer since we didn’t have money for labor. Knowing that the money had arrived made everything seem possible. I immediately told my husband, and we were both happy and grateful.

Before receiving my first transfer from GiveDirectly, we would have spent a week harvesting our maize as a family due to a lack of money. The process was challenging, and with the grounds still damp, there was a risk of losing the maize if we delayed. However, with the support from GiveDirectly, we were able to hire workers, and the harvest was completed in just a day. This not only saved us from the risk of potential losses but also ensured that the maize was harvested in optimal conditions. Thank you, GiveDirectly.

With about an acre of maize ready for harvest, I decided to buy 20 bags for storage at $6 each. We were harvesting as a family due to a lack of capital. As soon as I received the money, I hired workers to help with the harvest, which cost about $9. Afterward, I transported the maize to a drying area, which cost me $18. Unfortunately, I experienced low yields and lost some of the maize to floods, resulting in losses from about an acre. Determined not to give up on crop farming, I decided to try again. I spent $77 on land preparation and $11 on vegetable and green gram seeds, and we planted as a family to cut costs. Additionally, I bought a flask for $5 since I had been using a plastic jug to serve tea at home. My daughter needed a warm jacket for the cold season, so I bought her one for $3. I also purchased shoes for her and my husband for $5. I spent $20 on food items because, despite having maize, we lacked other essentials. Since we rely on charcoal production and casual jobs, which are not reliable, I also repaired my generator, which had been damaged during the rains, at a cost of $36. Thank you, GiveDirectly.