I have rented 1.5 acres of land, adding it to the acre that I already own, for crop farming. Although my husband and I do our farming activities together, my plan is to add an additional 3 acres, which we will divide so that we can plant independently. By doing this, I will feel more empowered as a woman, knowing that my contribution is independent, even though we will still share the income. I want to experience the sense of ownership and pride that comes from seeing my own work reflected in our success. As we save surplus income from our farming, my long-term plan is for us to buy more land, adding it to the one acre we already have, so that we no longer need to lease land.

GiveDirectly excels in supporting the needy through unconditional cash transfers, and what makes it even better is the follow-up they provide. They don’t just stop at giving the money; they check in to see how the transfer has impacted us, ensuring that even though the cash is unconditional, it is being spent wisely. This approach has led to significant positive developments in our community. I do not see any need for change. GiveDirectly is doing well and should continue with the same strategy.

I am a farmer, but for the longest time, I had been planting on just one acre of land. When I received my second transfer, I decided to expand my farming activities by renting one and a half acres of land for $150. I spent $50 on plowing, $30 on making ridges and planting, and another $30 on maize seeds. My hope was that with the increased yields, I would earn more income to improve my house, pay for my children's school fees, and sustain my farming. Unfortunately, this year, floods destroyed all my crops, leading to a food shortage. To address this, I spent $56 on food, which included a bag of maize and other essentials like sugar. Luckily, we still have some maize left. Additionally, my two children, who are in secondary school, had accumulated fee arrears of $130. Every evening, they would remind me about the unpaid fees, which caused me stress. I used $100 from the transfer to reduce the arrears. Additionally, I bought clothes for all of us for $34 so that we could all share in the joy of receiving the GiveDirectly money.

It was on Sunday, the 14th of July, right after church, and I was in the middle of preparing lunch when I heard a message notification on my phone. I checked it immediately, and to my surprise, it was the GiveDirectly transfer! My heart leaped with joy, and I couldn't wait to share the news with my children. Later that evening, when my husband got home, I told him about the transfer, and he was just as excited as I was. We both knew that this meant we could finally pay the school fees for our two children in private school.

The biggest difference in my life since receiving the cash from GiveDirectly is that I've been able to plant tomatoes for the first time. Before, I had a piece of land—about 3/4 of an acre—that I had ploughed, but I didn't have the money to buy seeds. It was frustrating to see the land just sitting there, ready but unused. Thanks to the support from GiveDirectly, I finally got the money I needed to purchase the seeds and start my tomato farm. Now, I can proudly say that I’m a tomato farmer. This has been a dream of mine for a long time, and it feels incredible to see it come to life. The tomatoes are growing well, and I’m hopeful that this harvest will bring in a good income, which will help me improve my family's life. I’m deeply grateful for this opportunity, as it has opened up a new chapter in my life that I never thought I would be able to achieve on my own.

Receiving the unconditional cash transfer was a blessing for my family. With $60, I was able to pay the school fees for my two children who attend a private school. It gives me great comfort that they will not be sent home due to unpaid fees, and they can focus on their studies without any disruptions. In addition to securing my children's education, I used $40 to buy a goat, adding it to the five goats I already had. Goats are valuable assets in my community, serving as a form of savings and security. This investment not only strengthens my household's financial stability but also provides a sense of pride as I work towards building a more prosperous future for my family. The goat will eventually produce milk and offspring, further increasing my resources. Finally, I spent $50 on tomato seeds, a decision driven by my passion for farming. Tomatoes mature in just three months, providing a quick return on investment, which is essential for sustaining my household. The remainder of the money went towards purchasing food items, ensuring that my family has enough to eat. This support has not only provided immediate relief but has also enabled me to make investments that will yield long-term benefits for my family.