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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2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($467 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
The main goal that I had initially was to own a piece of land because the previous one was no longer productive. For all that long I had to lease from my friends so that I can get meaningful farm produce. For now, it is a relief to us because I will even save the money that I used on leasing the farm and cater for other household items. I however do not have any other plan that came up.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did a good job by making sure that all the vulnerable people in my village were attended to. Also, the freedom that we were given was on another level. Each one bought the assets they had desired to have for years. Also, the fact that the money was nonrefundable stood out. Therefore I can not point out anything that GiveDirectly failed in its operation.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my transfer on buying a new bed and a matter of a total of KES 8500. It is relief to us because previously I used to floor. After all, the traditional bed had worn out. It was so tough because I was always complaining of backaches because of the discomforts. I also bought a wooden door at KES 4000 and fixed it in my house. In addition to that, I bought a solar panel at KES 4000. This has replaced the candles which were expensive and sometimes I used to stay in the dark since I could not afford to buy them. To add that I bought three goats at KES 17500. I opted for them because they reproduce very fast. With the remaining amount, I bought food for the family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($497 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was in my home relaxing after coming home from the water pan where I had gone to fetch water for my family consumption. After news spreads in the village that the transfer had been sent, My helper checked my phone since I am illiterate. I felt very happy after he informed me that I had to receive my transfer. I was with my husband who was very excited after learning that I had received the transfer.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Owning a new farm after purchasing an acre piece of land with my transfer is the biggest difference in my daily life. I am confident that I will produce sufficient harvest from my farm hence solve the food insecurity in my family. I will no longer have to engage in casual activities which are very tiresome to provide food for the family.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent 20,000 to purchase an acre of land which costs 30,000 in total. The farm that I was practicing farming had a low fertility rate which yield less harvest. The harvest could feed my family for only one month. I was depending on casual labor to feed the family which was hard to get. I am optimistic that I will have enough food for my family once I began farming on the new farm. In addition, KES 2000 acquire a water tank to store enough water for my family. I also purchased a bed and mattress for KES KES 9,000 this is because I was using a small traditional bed that had a broken leg and use sacks as beddings which were not comfortable. I used KES KES 2000 to educate my child who was in primary school. With the remaining amount, I bought enough food for my family.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means food security to my family because I intend to upscale my farming. Currently I do farming in 1.5 acres of land since I use a hoe . I normally get 2 bags of 90kg which feeds the family for two months. I plan to buy two oxen and a yoke at a cost of $40. This will enable me do farming in all the 3 acres of land and harvest approximately 6 bags of maize which will feed the family for six months. The remaining amount Will help me to extend my house since the one I have is not spacious.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The evening is the happiest Part of my day because I get more time to rest from the day's activities. The resting re-energizes me most . Unlike in the morning and afternoon hours when I am busy doing my household chores as well as the charcoal work which drain much of my energy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
At my age of 61 years, am still forced to do charcoal work in order to get money for our upkeep. This job is very tiresome and sometimes I complain body pain yet it's income is very low, usually $30 per month . Therefore, I consider lack of a stable source of income as my biggest hardship.