After I harvest my maize, I want to plant butternuts because they can make a lot of money. When I sell them, I'll use the money to get married. I know I'll be able to take care of my family then. Thanks to GiveDirectly, my dreams are coming true.

At first, I found it hard to understand GiveDirectly. I kept wondering where the money came from and if it was real that people out there had money to give to us. But eventually, I accepted it, and it helped me solve my farm problems. I'm thankful for that. When you visit other villages, please help them like you helped us.

As a real farmer, I felt really happy when I got $450. I was tired of renting farm tools from my neighbors, so I decided to invest all of the $450 in buying tools like a knapsack sprayer, hosepipes, and pipes to connect to a generator for watering the farm. I got the generator with the first payment from GiveDirectly. I chose to fully invest in agriculture by planting maize on one hectare of land. I knew that having enough food at home would allow me to look for other jobs. Before receiving cash from GiveDirectly, I used to do casual labor on other people's farms for $3 a day. Sometimes, I would also make charcoal, getting three bags a week, which I sold for $6 each. Even though I'm not married, I cook for myself.

I spent the entire day diligently harvesting butternut on 3/4 of my land, putting in my best effort to complete the task by nightfall. Unfortunately, the dry weather conditions took a toll on the harvest, resulting in a disappointingly lower yield than anticipated. Despite the challenges, I pressed on, sweating profusely as I worked to gather the produce. Amid the haste and physical exertion, I heard the faint peeping of my phone, but with my focus on finishing the harvest, I chose to delay checking it until the evening. Finally settled after ensuring all the butternut was safely transported to a nearby storage facility for future sale, I took a moment to check my phone. To my overwhelming joy, I discovered a message indicating the receipt of funds from GD. This filled me with a renewed sense of gratitude and hope. With the newfound financial support, I eagerly planned to invest in a generator. This purchase will enhance my irrigation activities and symbolise a significant step toward optimizing my farm production.

Certainly, acquiring the generator represents a pivotal positive development for my agricultural pursuits. With optimism, I believe that the consistent and timely irrigation facilitated by the generator's pumping capabilities will lead to an increased crop yield, ultimately contributing to a significant improvement in my overall income. As farming constitutes my sole source of income, this enhanced capability instills in me a sense of security and assurance

For several years, my farming endeavors have been adversely affected by the persistent lack of rainfall in our region. Despite our efforts in irrigation, the effectiveness of this practice was hindered by the inconsistency of river water levels, often necessitating the use of a generator for pumping. The challenge lies in the scarcity of individuals who own generators, resulting in long queues for rental services. Moreover, the cost of hiring stands at a steep $15 per day, a financial strain for someone like me who relies solely on farming as the primary source of income. Upon receiving the initial transfer, I made a conscious decision to allocate the entire sum towards acquiring this invaluable resource—a generator. The relief and joy I felt knowing that I no longer had to endure queues or bear the burden of expensive daily rentals were immeasurable. This acquisition signifies a crucial improvement in my farming practices, ensuring a consistent and uninterrupted water supply for nourishing my crops. The anticipation of increased productivity brings a sense of optimism for the future, and the financial savings from no longer having to rent a generator will undoubtedly contribute to the sustainability of my farming efforts. I express my heartfelt gratitude to GiveDirectly for the positive impact this support has had on my livelihood.