I have a clear plan to ensure my family's safety and stability. After purchasing a plot on installments, I still have pending arrears of $150 that I need to clear. This past year, we faced severe floods that forced us to relocate temporarily, highlighting the need for a more secure living situation. To prevent similar disruptions in the future, I intend to use my final transfer from GiveDirectly to settle this debt. Additionally, I will utilize the income generated from my crops to build a new house on my plot, allowing my family to move into a safer and more permanent home. By taking these steps, I aim to create a secure environment for my family and protect us from the devastating impacts of flooding.

Unlike many other NGOs, GiveDirectly offers their support to everyone in the targeted location. This inclusive approach promotes community development as we witness tangible improvements in our village. Furthermore, the education on wise spending that accompanies the cash transfers has empowered us to utilize the funds effectively, ensuring that we invest in our families and futures without misusing the money. The organization's approach is commendable, as it also allows us to make decisions that best suit our needs. Overall, I believe that GiveDirectly should continue its successful model and expand its reach to support even more people, as the positive impact on our lives is evident. I have not identified any area for improvement.

Upon receiving my second transfer, I first bought three goats for a total of $205, bringing my herd from four to seven. My main aim is to ensure that as my children grow, I can use these goats to help pay for their school fees and meet other essential needs. Additionally, I am a farmer, and after losing my maize crop to floods, I decided to give farming another try with the help of the transfer. I invested $70 in preparing 1.5 acres of land and purchased capsicum seeds for $20, bean seeds for $60, and black nightshade seeds for $7, along with $80 for planting. To ensure a successful harvest, I spent $28 on irrigation and $20 on pesticides. With the remaining $32, I focused on our immediate needs by buying food items like beans, rice, and condiments, as we were running low. We only had maize left, which had fortunately survived the floods, but it was not enough to sustain us. I am grateful to GiveDirectly for their support.

It was evening, and I was spending time with my four kids at home when suddenly a notification popped up on my phone, letting me know that I had received $180 from GiveDirectly. I was overjoyed and grateful, knowing that this was an opportunity to improve our lives. I shared the news with my family, and that evening was filled with smiles and joy. However, I quickly shifted from excitement to planning how to use the money. My immediate thought was to spend some of it on food, as we had none at home.

The biggest difference in my life since I started receiving transfers from GiveDirectly is my ability to shift from rain-fed to irrigation agriculture. With the money I received, I was able to buy pipes to pump water, something I couldn’t afford before. This has allowed me to cultivate my land more reliably, regardless of the weather. Another significant change is in my livestock. Before GiveDirectly, I had five sheep, but now I have seven. This growth is a great achievement for me, and these sheep will serve as an emergency resource. If a need arises, I can sell one to address it.

Upon receiving $180 from GiveDirectly, I was thrilled because I knew this amount would help address my most pressing needs. I allocated $30 to buy enough food to last my family for at least a month. This was crucial since floods had recently swept away my maize farm, making it difficult for us to afford food. Now, we have enough to eat, which has improved our family life significantly. When everyone is well-fed, our home is filled with love and happiness. I used $60 to buy a sheep. I had five sheep before, and the new one gave birth upon arrival, bringing the total to seven. This made me value the support from GiveDirectly even more. After the floods, I wanted to get back on my feet and return to farming, but in a safer location. I spent $45 to buy pipes for irrigation, which I am now using to water my 1.5 acres of land where I have planted maize. I plan to use the produce to address our food needs and sell any surplus to reinvest in farming, making it sustainable. I used the remaining money to buy clothes for my kids so they would have something tangible to remember GiveDirectly for.