My top priority is to protect my crops and secure my livelihood by fencing my farm. Persistent losses due to goats wreaking havoc on my crops have been a constant struggle, impacting my income and the sustainability of my farm. Establishing a strong and reliable fence is crucial to keeping these animals at bay and safeguarding my harvest. I envision a future where my crops thrive without the threat of damage, allowing me to yield a bountiful harvest and secure a stable income to support my family. Fencing my farm isn't just about protecting my crops; it's about securing a better future for myself and those who rely on the success of my farm for their well-being.

GiveDirectly has truly made a significant impact on my life by providing me with unconditional cash. The ability to take at least three meals a day might seem like a simple thing, but for me, it's a profound change. This financial support has alleviated the constant worry about where the next meal will come from. Now, my family and I have a more stable and nourishing diet. The organization's approach to directly empowering individuals has worked wonders, giving me the autonomy to address my immediate needs.

It was a moment of profound relief when the unconditional cash transfer came through, a much-needed lifeline for my family of seven. With the $200 I received, I directed a substantial part towards paying the school fees for my six children, two in secondary school and four in primary education. The struggle to meet these fees has been constant; my spouse and I work as farmers, earning a mere $5, which isn't consistent or sufficient. Oftentimes, our children would stay at home due to the backlog of unpaid fees, affecting their education and morale. But with this support, they were finally able to return to school, and I could see hope returning to their eyes. Another part of the funds, about $150, went towards purchasing essential food items like maize and beans. The agonizing days of watching my family struggle with hunger are now behind us. Meals were not guaranteed, and it weighed heavily on all of us. Now, at least, the worry of an empty stomach has been alleviated. Moreover, I set aside $100 to buy new clothes for everyone in the family. The previous ones were worn out, and I could sense how it affected their confidence and self-esteem. Now, seeing them adorned in fresh clothes, their spirits lifted, and their smiles were a testament to their newfound confidence. It's a small thing for some, but for us, it meant restoring dignity and a sense of self-worth.

In the coming year and beyond, my focus will be firmly set on agriculture. I am determined to lease a parcel of land near the river to establish an irrigation-based farming project. I plan to cultivate a rotation of beans and tomatoes for commercial purposes. Through careful observation, I've come to recognize the substantial returns that can be achieved from this approach. This agricultural venture holds the potential to become a significant and dependable source of income for my family.

In my opinion, GD deserves credit for its perfect selection of highly competent field officers. These officers not only display exceptional friendliness but also provide attentive and efficient assistance. Moreover, their commitment to honesty is commendable, as the enrollment process was free and fair. However, I suggest consideration of an additional transfer. This would greatly assist families like mine, especially with ongoing needs such as school fees for my four children in primary school.

Supporting a family of seven with no income source presents significant challenges. I had to make wise decisions with the recent transfer because of how unproductive our location was owing to the lack of rain. I set aside a substantial amount of $260 to buy food as a preventative step against the anticipated famine that may be coming next year. This food supply will act as a key safety net. Furthermore, I directed $110 from the transfer to address my son's education needs by paying his high school fees. Financial constraints have continuously hindered his consistent attendance and impacted his academic performance. With his fees settled, he can now dedicate himself fully to his studies, which significantly reduces his worry. Recognizing the importance of dignity and appearance, I earmarked $50 to purchase clothing for my children. This will allow them to have respectable attire, even for church gatherings, supplementing their limited wardrobe. Lastly, I attended to the well-being of my goats by investing in medicine using the remaining funds. Ensuring the health of our livestock is essential for our overall livelihood.

While working diligently on the farm, my phone suddenly rang, interrupting my tasks. I'm not usually one to frequently check my text messages, but due to the anticipation of a cash transfer, I developed a habit of being attentive to my phone. I paused my farm work to read the text message, and to my astonishment, I found out that GiveDirectly had sent me a monetary transfer. It was a moment of sheer happiness and the greatest day of my life. Overwhelmed with joy, I immediately shared the news with my wife upon arriving home, and she shared in my excitement. Together, we began planning how we could make the best use of this transfer.

The opportunity to stock up on an ample supply of food has had a profound impact on my daily life. Previously, financial constraints made it difficult to purchase food in bulk, resulting in a hand-to-mouth existence. I am overjoyed to have finally achieved this milestone, as it ensures that we will have enough to eat. I am immensely grateful for this incredible gift that has transformed my life, and my gratitude knows no bounds.

When I received the transfer, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to stock up on food supplies and pay off my children's fee arrears. Being a farmer, my livelihood depends on farming, but the previous season was unproductive due to a lack of rainfall. I am married and blessed with five children. Upon receiving the transfer, I pent $135 towards purchasing food supplies to ensure that we have enough to sustain ourselves for a while. This was crucial to ensure that we wouldn't go to bed on an empty stomach. Additionally, I used $50 of the transfer to pay off the school fee for my high school children. I'm delighted that I was able to accomplish so much in such a short period of time.