Given my current subsistence farming activities, I have high aspirations for the coming year and beyond. I aim to expand the cultivated area and utilize the proceeds to acquire a water-pumping generator, which will be instrumental in supporting crop production through irrigation across all seasons. This investment will prove invaluable in supplementing the limited rainfall and facilitating the growth of short-season crops that I can sell to the neighboring community. By maximizing the potential of my farming activities, I strive to create a sustainable source of income and contribute to the agricultural productivity of the region.

GiveDirectly's support has brought about significant changes both in our village and within my household. It's truly remarkable how quickly things have transformed since receiving the free cash transfer. The concept of directly depositing the money into our account is a well-thought-out idea that surpasses the cumbersome and unreliable processes we had to endure previously, which often involved bribery and the uncertainty of receiving full support. In the past, distribution through community leaders was flawed, resulting in the support ending up in the wrong hands. I genuinely hope that GiveDirectly extends its reach to other villages and implements the same approach, as it has proven to be effective in our community.

For many years, our primary source of livelihood has been farming, despite the challenges posed by harsh and unpredictable weather conditions. Through irrigation and timely planting, we have managed to secure some harvests. The support from GiveDirectly has had a significant impact on our farming activities, as I spent a substantial portion of the second transfer on this endeavor. I was able to lease a 2-acre plot adjacent to a nearby river for $100, providing us with a more convenient water source for irrigation. To prepare the land for planting, I invested $154 in tilling and harrowing. Additionally, I allocated $70 to purchase seeds, which I have already planted and will require three months of diligent care before we can harvest. In anticipation of the final transfer, I also spent $64 on food to sustain my family of three throughout the month. As a single mother, I am profoundly grateful for the tremendous support that has surpassed what I could have achieved on my own. Moreover, I used $18 to purchase three plastic chairs and saved the remaining $44, which has proven invaluable for replenishing depleted household supplies as needed.

Since we were in the midst of the worst-ever drought and had lost everything from plants and animals to even businesses nearly closing down, these transfers arrived just as I needed them. I was therefore among the happiest individuals when I learned of these transfers since it meant that much of the difficult work we did—such as carrying water and firewood from extremely far away locations have to be reduced because we would have to embrace other ways to do it.

The biggest change in my life right now is that I'm not required to go great distances to gather water and firewood, which was becoming incredibly tiresome and time-consuming. In contrast to how things were previously, I now have a tiny business that may generate cash for me to purchase a few necessities for the house, such as food and other modest items.

I purchased a 100-litre drum as soon as I received the money so that I could fill it when obtaining water and avoid having to go fetch it every other day. In addition, I made sure my family had enough food in the house, purchased shoes and school uniforms, and launched a little Samosa business at home to make money for charcoal rather than traveling great distances to get firewood.