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 biggest difference in your daily life.
I practice mixed farming as my main source of income. I had preferred to improve livestock to crop farming due to its daily income. I had this wish but could not put it into action since I did not have enough resources. The biggest difference in my daily life is that I now earn more income through milk sales. This is because I have been able to expand my dairy project thus an increase in milk production. This would have never been possible had it not have been for GiveDirectly.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I still remember vividly, it was at 4 am when I heard a message notification on my phone. I was surprised to receive a message at such an hour since I had never before. I decided to check to know who the sender was. I was left so happy after I realized that GiveDirectly had sent me the promised money.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
When I received my first transfer, I spent part of it to buy a dairy cow worth KES 35000. As a farmer, I had always wished to see my farming doing better thus I decided to expand my dairy farming project so that I can get more milk to supply to our local cooling plant. Also, I bought a goat worth KES 5000 for rearing. When it reproduces, I will be selling the offspring to get money for my children's school fees and other financial needs arising in the future. I used the remaining amount to pay a down payment for a hand cart. I settled on this so that my spouse will be using it to supply firewood to different schools.
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have a plan of buying a dairy cow when I receive this transfers.I have one cow and adding one more will translate to more income especially from the sale of milk.I am also hoping to expand this piece of land to enable me do more farming.We live in a one acre piece of land which I feel is not enough for farming.That extra piece of land will enable me to do vegetable farming.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I wake up early enough to prepare my children to go to school.After they leave for school I go to the farm.Whenever I am not working in other people's farm, I usually work in my own farm.I plant maize and beans in my farm.When its noon I prepare lunch then do the house chores during the afternoon.This includes washing clothes and utensils.Evening is the time that I get to relax after a busy day.This is therefore the happiest part of my day as I bond with my family.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My spouse and I depend on casual labour as a source of income.This is a challenge because you are not assured that you will get work to do at a particular day.Sometimes we go up to weeks without getting work to do.I mainly work in people's farms doing jobs like weeding.My husband on the other side is employed to use a cart and donkey to distribute firewood to neighbouring schools.The money we get from this jobs is not enough to sustain the family needs such as food and clothing.This is the biggest hardship in my life.
