How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I aspire to serve as a role model, imparting the lesson of making the most of one's available resources. Given the expanse of land at our disposal, I believe that owning a few goats, capable of multiplying over time to sustain the entire family in the long run, signifies an untapped source of potential wealth in our community. Approaching matters with an open mindset, I have been engaging many neighbors in our informal interactions to tap into ventures with enduring viability, beyond the periodic support we receive. As part of my strategy for the years ahead and the foreseeable future, I have chosen to cultivate mango trees. These trees, apart from offering shade in harsh weather, will ultimately generate income once they mature and yield fruits. Another significant goal I am committed to involves expanding my goat herd. My goal is to reach a count of 100, enabling me to confidently present approximately 20 goats for auction each year.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my view, GiveDirectly has achieved an exceptional feat by enabling individuals to receive and utilize their money unconditionally. This accomplishment is evident through the installation of modern water-collection tanks in various households, the emergence of new houses within the village, the expansion of livestock holdings in anticipation of the year-end auction, the reduction of local fundraising efforts as compared to the past, and the community's ability to provide substantial support whenever necessary. Additionally, the great peace experienced can be attributed to the thorough education provided during the initial meetings, which prevented conflicts arising from the households' spending decisions. The advancement of women's empowerment is also apparent through the diversified farming activities and the visible progress of ongoing projects within the village. While I greatly commend these achievements, I wish that GiveDirectly would encourage community leaders to impart education about sustainable ventures. Despite the unconditional nature of the transfers, a gentle push towards well-considered investments could yield long-term benefits.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Before the initial transfer, we were informed about the three transfers, which prompted many of us, including my household, to devise immediate and future plans based on these expectations. Collaboratively with my spouse, we outlined long-term goals that revolved around investing in goats, a substantial portion of the received amount. By the time I received the final installment, I had already addressed other pressing needs within my household and also had 10 goats in place. In order to further solidify our sustainable venture, I spent $400 from the final transfer to purchase an additional 10 goats, and I am pleased that two of them gave birth last month. Despite the need to address immediate necessities and even luxuries, we recognized the enduring value of goats for our family of four. Within our community, goat farming serves as the predominant economic activity, thriving year-round with a reliable market, notably through an annual auction where goats command an average price of $110. Beyond the projected earnings from eventual sales, I also anticipate cutting the cost of milk purchases as I will have an ample supply from my goats. Despite various tempting trends in spending in the village, the freedom to choose enabled us to delve into livestock farming, a path we aspire to reap rewards from in the future. Subsequently, I used the remaining $50 to buy household essentials, including food and toiletries.