In the upcoming year and beyond, my sights are set on a new chapter—a vegetable-selling business. Farming has been the backbone of our income, but it's demanding and yields low returns. Transitioning to selling vegetables allows me to diversify while still contributing to the community. The income from this venture is more than monetary; it's about securing a future where my family's needs are met without constant strain. I see this as a way to offer them stability and opportunities, lifting some weight off their shoulders while pursuing a passion that aligns with our livelihood.

GiveDirectly has been a lifeline for me, and their impact on my life is nothing short of transformative. The financial assistance they provided came at a crucial time, allowing me to make significant changes that have altered the course of my life. With their support, I've been able to address pressing financial needs, whether it be investing in education, improving my living conditions, or starting a small business. GiveDirectly's approach to providing unconditional money empowers individuals to make the decisions that best suit their unique circumstances. Their commitment to financial assistance without strings attached has given me the freedom and agency to reshape my life according to my aspirations and needs.

Investing almost $340 in wire mesh and barbed wire turned out to be a game-changer for me. I opted to fence my farm because, for too long, my neighbor's goats had been a persistent menace, invading my fields and destroying crops. The recurring losses during every harvest had plunged my family into the shadows of famine. The constant worry about whether we would have enough to eat haunted me. But, with the new fence in place, I felt a renewed sense of security. No longer did I have to endure the frustration of seeing my hard work trampled by wandering goats. This decision not only protected my crops but also safeguarded our future harvests, offering a more stable food supply for my family. With the remaining $110, I prioritized securing sufficient food and essential household items for my family of five. The daily challenge of putting food on the table was a constant concern, given that both my spouse and I work as farmers with an unpredictable monthly income of around $5. This inconsistency in earnings made it difficult to ensure a stable food supply and maintain other necessary household provisions. The extra funds from the transfer were a blessing, allowing us to replenish our food stock and acquire basic necessities, providing temporary relief from the perpetual struggle to make ends meet. Although our income remains modest, the recent support has alleviated some of the immediate financial burdens, bringing a sense of stability and comfort to our home.

The decision to strategically plant pawpaw and mangoes on my farm has been a significant step towards securing a better financial future for my family. These fruit trees have the potential to yield bountiful harvests, and I'm optimistic that they will not only provide us with nutritious food but also generate a reliable income stream. The idea behind cultivating these fruits is twofold. Firstly, they will contribute to our family's food security. Having a variety of fruits like pawpaw and mangoes readily available will not only enrich our diet but also reduce our dependence on purchasing food from the market. This means we can save on food expenses and allocate those funds to other pressing needs. Secondly, the surplus fruits can be sold in the local market, providing us with a steady source of income. The income generated from fruit sales will go a long way in addressing our financial needs, including paying school fees for our children. It's a relief to know that our children can now focus on their studies without the constant worry of being sent home for unpaid fees. By diversifying our farming activities and focusing on crops like pawpaw and mangoes, I believe we are moving closer to a more financially stable future. I'm determined to nurture these fruit trees and ensure they thrive, bringing us one step closer to achieving our financial goals.

The impact of the support from GiveDirectly in my life has been truly transformative. One of the improvements has been the ability to finally fence my farm. Before, my farm was vulnerable to destruction by animals and pests due to its lack of proper fencing. Now, I can cultivate my crops with confidence, knowing they are safe and secure. Food security was another serious concern for my family. There were times when putting food on the table was a real nightmare. I vividly remember having to borrow food from the local kiosk to ensure my family didn't go to bed hungry. With five children to feed and the challenges of the economy, it was a constant struggle. Thanks to the support from GiveDirectly, our situation has greatly improved. We no longer worry about where our next meal will come from. We can now focus on other priorities, like providing a good education for our children, since with the financial constraints we faced, it was often a challenge to provide for their educational needs. But now, with the burden of food and basic necessities eased, we can allocate more resources toward our children's education.

I purchased chainlink and barbed wire for $300 to create a sturdy fence around my two acre land where I have planted pawpaw and mangoes. I'm determined to have a bountiful harvest this time, and this investment in security will help me achieve that. It's amazing how the prospect of a good harvest can inspire so much hope. I also allocated $80 to ensure a steady supply of food for my family. Previously, I used to sell vegetables, but the income was inconsistent and often insufficient. This led to frequent borrowing, which only added to my financial worries. With this support, I can now provide for my family's basic needs without the constant anxiety about where the next meal will come from. Clearing my debts was another significant step forward. I used $20 to settle a kiosk debt that had been hanging over my head. Being free from this financial burden is a relief I can't quite put into words. Lastly, I set aside $50 for future needs and opportunities. Having a little financial cushion gives me peace of mind and a sense of security for whatever might come my way. The support from GiveDirectly has been life-changing, not just in terms of financial assistance but in the hope and motivation it has ignited within me.

I vividly remember the moment I received my transfer; I was out on the farm, engrossed in my work. Suddenly, my phone rang, and upon checking, I discovered that GiveDirectly had sent me money. The overwhelming joy that washed over me was beyond words. Without hesitation, I called my husband to share the fantastic news, and his smile of happiness mirrored my own. Together, we eagerly began planning how to best utilize the cash transfer for our benefit. The sense of hope and excitement that enveloped us was truly unforgettable.

The transformation in my daily life has been truly remarkable, and the most significant change is that I was finally able to fence my land. Despite wanting to do it earlier, financial limitations held me back. But now, achieving this goal has brought me immense joy and satisfaction. Secondly, I am filled with contentment and relief knowing that I have been able to purchase an ample supply of food for my household. No longer will we have to endure the feeling of an empty stomach. The wonderful gift I received has had a profound impact on my life, and I will forever be grateful for it. It has allowed me to fulfill important needs and secure a better future for myself and my family. The sense of accomplishment and gratitude I feel is immeasurable, and I am excited about the positive changes that lie ahead.

My husband and I had meticulously planned how we would utilize our transfer, and we wasted no time in executing our decisions. With the initial funds, we both agreed to invest $70 in purchasing barbed wire and a fence to secure our land. This step was essential for us, considering that farming is our primary source of income. Additionally, I used $70 to buy a sack of maize and spent $30 on other essential food supplies. The remaining amount was wisely allocated to purchase additional foodstuffs. Having five children, three of whom are already grown and independent, achieving these significant milestones has brought us immense joy and relief. Our carefully thought-out investments have fortified our farming endeavors, ensuring the safety and productivity of our land. Moreover, the provision of ample food supplies has granted us a sense of security and stability for our family. These achievements have sparked a profound sense of contentment and optimism for the future.