We check in with people at each stage of the cash transfer process to see how things are going. Take a look at some of their stories as they appear here in real-time.
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When the flash floods hit my village one month ago, my family, like many others, was severely affected. My kitchen was completely washed away, my children's clothes were soaked in mud, the maize and beans grains rotted due to dampness, and my maize farm was destroyed. The extent of this loss is hard to recount without feeling overwhelmed by depression. As a family of seven, our livelihood depends on farming, and the maize farm that was washed away was our only source of hope. I am elated by GiveDirectly's assistance, which brings a ray of hope to uplift our lives here. When I receive the transfers, I plan to spend $80 on food, $50 on clothing, and $70 on school fees. To avoid the threat of future floods, I plan to spend the remaining amount on purchasing a plot of land on safer ground and relocating my family. This will ensure the safety of my loved ones and provide peace of mind, free from the worry of future disasters.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Being the breadwinner for a family of seven who solely depend on farming for a living, I have to struggle hard to make ends meet. With the harsh and unpredictable climate conditions here, farming is a gamble. Despite these challenges, I am glad to have sown 2 bags of green grams and 2 bags of beans on my 1-acre piece of land near the banks of the Perkerra River, even amidst the heavy rains this season. Although the harvest was not as satisfactory as I had hoped, I am excited that it allowed me to pay for my children's school fees and provide food for the household. This small success brings me a sense of relief and hope, knowing that our efforts, despite the odds, have managed to support our family's needs.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
As a family of seven, we often depend on farming for a living. In this area of Longewan, farming relies entirely on irrigation, which is expensive to maintain. For instance, I cultivate 2 acres of land, and per season of three months, I spend up to $300 on it. To raise this amount, I sell my goats, which are unfortunately decreasing in number each season. Maintaining this farm requires a significant amount of finances that I sadly do not have. At times, I am forced to spend most of my time on the farm or even take my family there because I cannot afford to hire labor. The constant financial strain and the need to rely on dwindling livestock to support our farming efforts make it incredibly challenging to sustain our livelihood.
