My hope for the upcoming years is to purchase a machine for $500 that can help me in removing the coffee berries from their covers in my 300-tree coffee plantation. The work of harvesting berries is very strenuous, and I am looking for a more efficient and less physically demanding way of preparing them. I plan to achieve this by saving from my existing business and farming activities, knowing that every little bit of savings will count towards reaching my goal. The new equipment will assist me in increasing my production and yields, which will ultimately enhance my business and livelihood.

The method employed by GiveDirectly to give unconditional cash transfers and grant recipients the freedom to decide how to use the money is an extremely effective approach to tackling poverty. This enables us to make informed decisions about how to allocate the funds based on our individual needs, while also empowering us to invest in our priorities, whether it's buying food, paying school fees, or investing in a small business. Their commitment to professionalism and equity has made GiveDirectly stand out among other organizations we have observed. I hope that they will extend this same approach to other villages in a similar manner.

In recent years, subsistence farming in our community has become increasingly challenging, and even significant investments in farm inputs may not guarantee a successful harvest. However, with the help of GiveDirectly's first and second transfers, I have been able to change my approach to daily activities and focus more on livestock farming, which is more promising and less risky due to the unpredictability of the weather. With the second transfer, I spent $150 on purchasing three sheep that I plan to breed and sell alongside my other livestock in the future. Although the drought destroyed my maize field, which I have now converted to a livestock field, I spent $60 on purchasing farm inputs and hiring help. I also spent $51 on foodstuffs that I am still using, as I am currently living alone. Finally, I used the remaining amount to boost my retail business in the nearby shopping center, which has been successful after increasing my stock and attracting more customers who would otherwise have gone to other shops with more stock. I am grateful to GiveDirectly for their support, which has helped me to improve my life and provide for my family.

After several trips in search of water, I was relaxing at home. My phone then began to ring. I couldn't read because I didn't know how. I requested that my daughter read the message to me. That's when he told me I'd received money from GiveDirectly. This was the most encouraging news because it assured me that I would be able to build a decent home for my children. It made me happy for the greater part of the day.

The most visible change in my daily life is that my children are ecstatic that they now have their own space, which was previously impossible due to financial constraints. Second, since I started receiving money, I have stopped going to the mine. I am pleased and grateful for the significant accomplishments that I have attained thus far.

Working in a mine is the most difficult task. Though it was difficult, I had no choice but to persevere for the sake of my three children. As a widow, I am the sole breadwinner. After receiving my transfer, I decided to build a decent house for my family, which had previously been impossible due to financial constraints. My children, especially the boys, required their own space. As a result, I spent $300 on construction. Second, I paid $100 for two goats. Finally, I purchased school uniforms and food for my children. I am overjoyed and content that I was able to complete all of this in such a short period of time, and I will be eternally grateful.