First on my list is buying a piece of land, about 50 by 100 feet. The place where I’m currently staying tends to flood when the rains come, and it’s been a real problem for a while now. It’s just not sustainable and I need a more stable place, somewhere I don’t have to worry about every time the clouds start gathering. Farming has always been my main way of raising money, and I’m banking on the next harvest to help me take that big step towards buying the land. I’ve put so much effort into my crops, and I’m hopeful that this coming season will be a good one. On top of that, I’ve also been planting vegetables to sell, and that’s going to contribute as well. It’s smaller scale, but every little bit counts. Between the vegetables and the harvest from the larger crops, I believe I’ll be able to gather enough to finally buy that piece of land. It’s a lot of work, but I’m determined to make it happen this coming year.

GiveDirectly didn't just hand me the money and walk away; they provided invaluable advice on how to spend it wisely. Their guidance helped me prioritize my needs and think strategically about my future. While they offered suggestions for making the funds last, they respected my choices, allowing me to decide what was best for me and my family. This sense of autonomy was empowering and made me feel like I was in control of my own life. What impressed me most was how clearly everything was explained. They took the time to ensure I understood every detail, making it easier to navigate my options. This clarity gave me confidence in my decisions, and I was able to focus on improving my living situation rather than getting lost in confusion. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I now have not just financial support but also a clearer vision for my future. I do not see anything that needs to be changed about the program.

When I received the unconditional cash transfer, I immediately put it to good use on my farm. I used $50 to plough an acre of land and $12 to make ridges, preparing the soil for planting. Knowing watermelons are easy to maintain and have a high yield, I spent $90 to buy quality watermelon seeds. To ensure a healthy crop, I also purchased herbicides and pesticides for $16, and when the melons began growing, I paid $40 for weeding. Watering the farm was another challenge, but I managed to refill my two gas cylinders for $26, which I used to run a generator and pump water to the farm. This way, I could keep the crops well-irrigated. I left the remaining amount at the agrovet, so if I need anything else for the farm, I can simply pick it up without worrying about immediate payments. This cash transfer has really helped me get my farm up and running, and I’m hopeful for a great harvest soon.

On that day, I went to Emining High School to attend an event for my younger brother. The day was packed with activities and I was so busy that I didn't have a chance to check my phone, which I kept in my pocket the whole time. When I returned home in the evening, I noticed the lively and joyful atmosphere in our trading center. I was told that people had received their GiveDirectly transfers, so I quickly checked my inbox on my phone. I was thrilled to see that I had received mine too. Thank you, GiveDirectly!

I cannot express how grateful I am for the changes that have come into my life after receiving the transfers from GiveDirectly. Before receiving the transfer, I was deeply depressed and had almost lost hope after floods destroyed the crops that my young family relied on. The arrival of GiveDirectly in our village revived my spirit and gave me the motivation to start over. I sold my cow to restart tomato farming on my one-acre land. The transfer enabled me to effectively manage the farm: I used a portion of the money for irrigation, weeding, and purchasing pesticides to protect the crops from pests. Witnessing the thriving tomato plants has brought me immense relief and joy. Without the support from GiveDirectly, I doubt I would have had the energy or resources to restart this farming project. I am grateful to GiveDirectly for making such a significant difference in our lives.

I rely entirely on farming for my livelihood. Unfortunately, recent floods destroyed my 1-acre maize plantation and 0.5-acre tomato farm, which are our main sources of income. Despite this huge loss, I remained determined to rebuild. I sold my cow to restart tomato farming on another one-acre plot that had been idle. This decision was crucial, as my family of three depends on this farming for our livelihood. Given the ongoing threat of floods, I also plan to use part of the proceeds to buy land on higher, safer ground, free from the risk of flooding. The transfer from GiveDirectly came at a crucial time when the tomatoes were due for weeding. I used $100 of the transfer for weeding labor, buying pesticides, and purchasing petroleum to pump water for irrigation. The tomatoes are now doing well. Additionally, I used $50 to buy some necessities that we lacked, such as utensils, tables, and food. I have kept the remaining amount to manage the tomato farm, ensuring it stays free from pests and well-irrigated.