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.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I aspire to expand my goat rearing project and maintain my farm work. To realize this dream, I intend to utilize my third transfer to ensure the successful accomplishment of these objectives.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
What stood out most about the GiveDirectly initiative was its unconditional cash transfer model. This approach significantly facilitated our ability to utilize the funds according to our individual needs and preferences. Moreover, they enlightened and guided us on cash management and possible fraud cases which were insighful. In all my interactions with the GiveDirectly team, I consistently witnessed a high level of professionalism and attention to detail.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My wife and I depend on farming to sustain our livelihood. We have been blessed with one child. Upon receiving my transfer, we made the decision to establish a goat rearing project. We spent $200 to purchase the goats and invested an additional $60 in constructing a goat pen. The challenging factors of high inflation rates and harsh weather conditions had previously hindered us from realizing this goal and obtaining a good yield. Finally, the remaining funds were used to purchase essential food items. I am overjoyed that my long-standing dream of owning a goat pen has now become a reality.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
20000 KES ($141 USD)
access_time 10 months ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
When I first received my initial transfer at approximately 3:00 p.m., I was so thrilled. At that particular moment, I was by myself at my farm, which made the experience even more exhilarating. However, due to my single living arrangement, I couldn't share this exciting news with anyone. I decided to head back home to unwind and take a moment to review the plans I had in mind. The following day, I visited the nearby shopping center to collect the money.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Since receiving my first payment from GiveDirectly, the biggest difference in my daily life has been the ability to purchase foodstuffs and prepare my piece of land for planting. This newfound financial assistance has greatly improved my farm's prospects and ensured better food security. I am deeply grateful for GiveDirectly's support, as it has uplifted my living conditions and provided hope for a brighter, more prosperous future ahead. Their help has made a profound difference in my life, and I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received the first transfer from GiveDirectly, I made thoughtful choices on how to utilize the funds to improve my life and secure my farm. To address the issue of stray goats damaging my crops, I invested $60 in purchasing barbed wire, and I also acquired fencing poles at $30 to construct a protective fence around my farm. This decision aimed to safeguard the perimeter while preparing the land for planting. I also spent $35 to buy half a sack of maize, which has been sustaining me since I live alone. Additionally, I purchased a 20-kg bag of fertilizer worth $33, ensuring I was well-prepared for planting season. Although recent droughts have affected farming activities, I remain hopeful for a successful harvest. I spent $20 on essential household goods, including kitchen consumables and toiletries, to improve my household's well-being. It was crucial to ensure my living space was comfortable and well-stocked. Lastly, I dedicated the remaining $23 to repay the installments of a rechargeable solar lamp that I had been using in my house. This investment allows me to have a reliable source of light, enhancing my daily living conditions.
Enrolled
access_time 12 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I have had the intention of planting mangoes since it does well in our area, the climatic conditions favor the production of mangoes, they mature very fast and are well-demanded in the market because the mangoes from this area taste sweet. I had tried to plant them before but they were eaten by goats because they were not fenced off from goats. Livestock can be so destructive especially goats since they are browsers, land has not been subdivided and the goats are free to move anywhere, they feed on almost everything green. It is again this backdrop that I intend to do fencing around my farm to keep them off and enable my plants to do well without being disturbed. Intend to use $30 for fencing and use the rest to purchase goats for keep.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Life is full of ups and downs, it has never been easy but I am navigating it well despite the challenges. I engage myself in casual jobs mostly tending to other people's farms for wages. The rain had failed for long and so the casual jobs had become so erratic and hard to come by but a month ago we experienced heavy rainfall and subsequently, I have been able to get casual jobs in plenty and it has made my life a bit easy since I can put food on the table easily unlike before, it brings me joy and certainty to face the next day full of hope.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I used to do tomato farming under irrigation and it was a source of livelihood for me but I stopped because of inadequate capital. It requires huge financing since the cost of pesticides and fertilizers has shot up. I would have loved to go back to farming but it has not been easy, more than before this was the most ideal time to do farming since we recently received long rains. I have tried all means from borrowing to trying to get a loan but to avail. It breaks my heart that the rainy season is ending without me leveraging on it.
