For the past ten years, I have been deeply involved in crop farming, gaining valuable experience and skills across a variety of crops. I have seen firsthand that with sufficient capital, crop farming can be incredibly successful and yield good returns. My plan moving forward is to focus even more on crop farming, as I believe it holds great potential for growth. One of my key strategies is to secure land near the lake, where I can access reliable irrigation water, ensuring that my crops are well watered, even during dry spells. Additionally, I will prioritize timely planting to avoid losses from flooding, which has been a significant challenge in the past. To expand my farming activities, I plan to use my final transfer to invest in additional resources, allowing me to scale up my operations and increase my income.

GiveDirectly does an excellent job of supporting us through unconditional cash transfers, allowing us the freedom to plan for ourselves and meet our unique needs. During the enrollment process, GiveDirectly officers were patient, humble, and understanding. They took the time to ensure that we fully understood everything before proceeding with the enrollment. Furthermore, they treated us all equally, with respect and without any discrimination. I believe there are no areas for improvement; they should continue doing what they do, and I trust that God will bless them for their efforts.

After the floods destroyed my house, I was left with nothing. My previous home was a grass-thatched hut with muddy walls, and losing it meant my family had nowhere to stay. We had to live in a temporary structure made of tents while we figured out how to rebuild. I used $300 from my second transfer to purchase materials to start constructing a new house. Although it is not yet complete due to a shortage of materials, we have already moved in and plan to finish the construction when we have the necessary resources. Additionally, my wife has a reproductive condition that requires medication whenever she is pregnant. Understanding the importance of her health, I spent $50 on her medication to ensure she could manage her condition properly. At the same time, we did not have a proper bed, so I spent $40 on one, replacing the unstable and uncomfortable temporary bed we had been using. The situation was difficult, especially after losing one acre of maize, which had been a vital part of our food supply. To help us get back on our feet, I rented half an acre of land for $50, where I plan to plant beans. This will help us regain some food security and meet other needs. The remaining $10 went toward buying essential food items, like sugar, which helped us for a short time, but the struggle continues as we work to fully recover from the loss.

I was on the farm alongside my wife when I received a message from GiveDirectly informing me that I had received $180. I felt a wave of happiness and relief wash over me, especially since I had just been displaced by floods. So much was going on in my mind, but my first thought was to buy building materials. This money could help us rebuild and find some stability amid the chaos.

Since I started receiving cash transfers from GiveDirectly, the biggest difference in my life has been my ability to recover from the shock of the floods. Before the transfers, I was displaced with no house, no household items, and no food. This situation was overwhelming. With the support I received, I could address these urgent issues. I purchased some construction materials to begin rebuilding my home, which is essential for my family’s safety. I also bought household items that we needed to live comfortably. Having utensils and furniture again has made a significant difference in our daily lives. Most importantly, I used part of the money to buy food for my family. Even though we had no harvest, I can now provide meals to enjoy together. This support has truly changed my life and helped me feel more secure and hopeful for the future.

When I received $180 from GiveDirectly, I felt deeply grateful to God. This money was a chance for me to rebuild my life, especially after being displaced by floods. I used $50 to buy iron sheets, and I am planning to add more with future transfers to construct a house. Currently, my family is living in a temporary makeshift shelter, which puts us at risk of floods and diseases. I have a two-year-old child, and this motivates me to use the money wisely to ensure their safety and well-being. With $98, I purchased household items, including utensils, a table, plastic chairs, and a mattress. These items helped me recover from the floods, as all my previous belongings were swept away by the rushing waters. Now, I have essential items that make our daily life easier. Finally, I spent $32 on food for my family. This was crucial because I had no harvest due to the floods and no job to earn money for food. I am incredibly thankful to GiveDirectly for their support, which has made a significant difference in our lives.