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.
Learn more about how recipients opt in to share their stories.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I have been a farmer for almost 10 years now and one of the factors of production that is giving me sleepless nights is capital. I have 2 acres of land that is situated close to a water source. I have been doing irrigation farming on this land for all that time and the cost of production has been increasing regularly. This is because dry periods are longer than rainy ones and as a result, I have to hire a water pump frequently which is quite expensive. On average, I spend close to $50 in hiring one to irrigate the short seasoned crops. This greatly reduces my profit margin in the long run.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Being a farmer, it is always a great joy when you reap what you sow. This became a reality in December last year when I received a bumper harvest that I sold for $500. This has never happened to me and it gave me more motivation to continue with farming.
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
My first priority is to acquire a water pump for $300. I have been relying on hiring one for the past 10 years. The demand for them increases to an extent that you can fail to get one and as a result, your crops are damaged. This reduces the yields. Since we experience longer drought periods in this area, I intend to acquire mine so that I can be able to use it at my convenience. The other benefit for this is that, I will be able to do farming for the entire year.
I also intend to use the remainder of the transfers to buy livestock.
