I want to buy a plot of land where I can live safely, away from the flooding. I don’t want to worry about my home being damaged every time it rains heavily. I will use the money I earn from farming beans and maize to buy the plot. I believe this will help me raise enough money to make my dream come true. After I buy the land, I will keep this one here as a farm. It will not only provide me with food but also help me make a living. I am excited and hopeful about the future, knowing that I am taking steps to achieve my goals.

The moment I interacted with the staff, I felt a sense of honesty that was refreshing. They were straightforward and transparent, openly sharing how the program worked and what I could expect. They made it clear that bribery was not tolerated, stating firmly that it would be an offense. It was reassuring to know that this was an organization built on trust, where the staff stood by their principles without compromise. What struck me even more was their commitment to fairness. GiveDirectly ensured that everyone deserving received the support they needed, without any discrimination. I felt respected and valued, knowing that I was treated just like anyone else in the community who needed help. This unconditional support made a profound difference in my life, empowering me to make choices that I had long thought were out of reach. With GiveDirectly, I experienced not just financial relief but also a deep sense of dignity.

I started by investing $101 to plough two acres of land and set up ridges, which was essential since it’s the planting season for beans. Following that, I spent $100 on quality bean seeds to ensure a good harvest. I know that beans can provide a quick return on investment, so I’m hopeful for a fruitful season. In addition to farming, I also addressed a pressing need at home. I bought a metal bed for $100 because my wooden one had fallen victim to termites and was infested with bedbugs. This small change will help us sleep better and maintain our health. Moreover, I invested $95 in ten pipes for irrigation on my farm, which will enable me to water my beans more effectively, ensuring a robust crop yield. With the remainder of the cash transfer, I purchased fuel for my generator, which I will use to pump water for irrigation. All these investments are aimed at improving our living situation and ensuring a better future for my family.

I was alone on the farm, trying to prepare it for irrigation after witnessing a huge, devastating flood. I wanted to get my life back on track. Suddenly, I received a notification on my phone that I had received $180 from GiveDirectly. This news filled me with life and joy. I am very grateful to GiveDirectly for this support. Immediately, I thought of using the money to buy petrol for irrigating my farm.

The biggest difference since I started receiving GiveDirectly transfers is that I no longer depend on being employed by anyone to earn a living. I used to do odd jobs just to afford food, and if I couldn't find work, I would go without eating. Now, I am fully focused on my own two-acre farm. I plan to continue this way and commercialize my farming activities. This change has brought stability and a sense of purpose to my life.

Upon receiving $180 from GiveDirectly, I faced the challenge of saving my two-acre maize farm, which had almost been swept away by floods. The floods had passed, but now I had to deal with a drought. My farm desperately needed water, but I had no money to buy petrol for irrigation. I used $40 of the money to buy petrol and irrigate my farm. Now, I am on the verge of harvesting. I plan to use the surplus from the harvest to buy land in a safer place, away from the threat of future floods. I also bought a mattress for $57 because the floods had swept away my household items, leaving me without a mattress and causing a lot of discomfort. Now, I can't wait to go to bed at night. The remaining money was used to address food security issues. The floods had disrupted local work opportunities, making it hard to get food. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I was able to provide for my family during this tough time.