Over the next year, my objective is to initiate a retail shop business to enhance my finances. I intend to utilize the earnings from our farm, particularly the profits generated from our maize cultivation, to fund this venture. I am confident that with proper planning and dedication, I will be able to achieve my goals. Additionally, I aim to diversify our sources of income and create more stability for my family's financial future.

What caught my attention in the GiveDirectly programs is the provision of unconditional cash directly to the recipients. This approach not only diminishes the likelihood of corruption but also facilitates the accomplishment of individual goals effortlessly. As of now, I haven't identified any aspects that require correction or improvement in the program.

I work at a nearby school as an account clerk, and my wife and I also rely on farming to supplement our income. We have five children. When I received my second transfer, we decided to use some of the money to build a modern storage facility for food preservation. I used $600 for the project, with $450 from my second transfer and $150 from my savings. The reason behind building the store is to have a place to store food for future use, especially during droughts, for both animal feed and our own consumption. I had this dream previously but could not realize it due to financial constraints. My income barely covers school fees and other family expenses, so we often had to sell perishable items to prevent them from spoiling. I am delighted that we were finally able to build a decent storage facility in a short time, and I am forever grateful for that.

I received an alert confirming the receipt of the initial transfer from GiveDirectly at a time when my plate was already full with responsibilities, making the news even more appreciated. It was around 4:00 PM while I was taking an evening stroll in the nearby shopping center. Rushing home, I eagerly shared the news with my wife, who had heard whispers from the neighbors and was keen to confirm the information. The excitement filled our household, including our five children, as we celebrated this unexpected blessing. After two days of thoughtful planning with my spouse, we collected the funds from the nearby shopping center, ready to put them to good use. This moment not only brought financial relief but also strengthened the bond within our family.

The biggest difference in my daily life is the substantial improvement in my farming activities, with optimistic expectations for a better harvest. The growth rate, health, and anticipated performance of the maize in our field have seen a remarkable difference. This positive transformation is particularly noteworthy as, before the financial support, I faced the challenge of lacking funds to invest in essential components like fertilizer and pesticides. Now, with the support from GiveDirectly, I can confidently nurture my crops, fostering the hope of a bountiful harvest that seemed unattainable in the past. The support from GiveDirectly has not only impacted my immediate circumstances but holds the promise of a more prosperous and secure future through improved agricultural outcomes.

Upon collecting the money from the nearby shopping center the following day, we efficiently executed our planned endeavors. With a maize field requiring field management practices and expecting rainfall, we invested $104 in purchasing 2 sacks of topdressing fertilizers (50kgs each) and $15 in pesticides. This strategic investment significantly boosted maize growth, instilling hope for a promising harvest. Farming has been our mainstay, providing both sustenance and surplus for selling, enabling us to cover school fees for our five children. Coinciding with the approaching Christmas eve, we allocated $60 for festive foodstuff, including rice, meat, and wheat flour for baking, ensuring a joyous celebration with a well-laden table. We used the remaining $21 to replenish household essentials. We appreciate the support and eagerly look forward to effectively implementing other impactful ideas with subsequent transfers.