GDLive Newsfeed
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.
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Newsfeed > Benard's Profile
Benard's family
Benard
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Subsistence farming
faceAge:
22
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
Upcoming Stage
Next Payment
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Follow to be updated on Benard's next check-in.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($348 USD)
access_time 12 days ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
As a farmer, crop farming has been my main source of income for the past four years. Unfortunately, this year I lost 1.5 acres of maize and 1 acre of beans due to climatic shocks. However, giving up is not an option for me. I have already cleared the farm in preparation and plan to try again. I intend to use my final transfer to cover the costs of plowing, making ridges, and planting. This time, I will plant maize on 2 acres and dedicate half an acre to black nightshade. I plan to start planting next month, and for the black nightshade, I expect to harvest in about two months, which will be perfect timing as the market will be favorable due to the off-season. The proceeds from this harvest will help me purchase a plot of land and relocate, as our current home is prone to flooding. I want to secure a safer future for my family.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
One of the things GiveDirectly does best is keeping their promises. They deliver transfers as scheduled, both in terms of amount and timing, which gives us hope and allows us to plan ahead. Additionally, they conduct follow-ups after delivering the cash to ensure that recipients are spending the money wisely and to check if any issues have arisen within the families. GiveDirectly’s methods of operation are efficient and effective, and I believe there is no area for improvement. My only wish is for them to continue uplifting more lives in this impactful way.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received my second transfer, my first thought was of my mother. Her house, made of mud walls and an iron roof, had been standing for years but had become weak and damaged by termites. Just a month before the transfer, a strong wind blew the house down. Thankfully, my mother was not hurt, though she had to move in with a neighbor. When the money came, I knew I had to prioritize rebuilding her home. I spent $350 on iron sheets, posts, frames, nails, and labor to give her a new house with iron sheet walls and a roof. Now, the house is complete, and my mother is happy. She’s incredibly grateful to GiveDirectly and sends countless blessings for their support. Additionally, I am a farmer, and this is our main source of income. Unfortunately, I lost 1.5 acres of maize and an acre of beans to the recent floods, which left us struggling with food shortages. With part of the transfer, I bought a bag of maize for $35 and other essentials for $20 to get us through. I used the remaining $45 to clear my land, preparing it for the next planting season, as I plan to give crop farming another try.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
20000 KES ($155 USD)
access_time 2 months ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was working my usual job as a laborer on other people's farms when I received a message on my phone. Upon checking, I realized it was a Mpesa transfer. I was overjoyed to learn that it was my first transfer from GiveDirectly. This transfer brought huge relief to my family as we were struggling with the effects of floods that had destroyed our crops, making it hard to afford food.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I typically engage in crop farming, mainly planting beans and maize to feed my family and sometimes sell the surplus for extra income. Before receiving the transfer, I had managed to lease two acres of land and planted maize and beans. Unfortunately, heavy rains flooded my farm, destroying all the crops I had planted. This setback made it difficult to provide for my family, and we had to relocate to a safer place. When the floods subsided, I went back to cultivate one acre, thanks to the recent transfer I received from GiveDirectly. I used the funds to purchase enough seeds, pesticides, and fuel for pumping water to my farm. Despite the recent loss, I am determined to have a successful harvest this time, as the weather conditions are now favorable. This will ensure that my family has enough food to eat as we recover from the effects of the flood.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I had planted maize and beans on my two acres of land. Unfortunately, due to the recent floods, all my crops were swept away, and I couldn't harvest as expected. Because of the floods, my family and I had to relocate to a safer place. I couldn't work anymore as I had to wait for the floods to subside. I usually work as a laborer in other people's farms for a living. This made it difficult to provide for my family, so we had to depend on external support in our new location. I am grateful that the assistance came at the right time when I needed it most. When the floods ended, I went back to my farm and cultivated an acre. I managed to buy the seeds, pesticides, and fuel for pumping water to my farm, which cost me $106. I am hoping for a good harvest this time, as the weather is currently favorable. Additionally, I paid $20 in school fees for my sibling who is currently in high school. Lastly, I spent the remaining amount on buying foodstuffs and clothes for my family. This ensured that my family was well-fed as we recovered from the effects of the floods.
 
Enrolled
access_time 5 months ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Despite the losses we had during flash floods, I have never lost my hope on crop farming as it is lucrative and well paying in our area. GiveDirectly's cash transfer rejuvenates my hope of venturing into farming, I will plan $250 of my transfers and plant maize crops on my 2 acre piece of land. I will also spend $100 to pay school fees arrears for my sister Lynne Naisoi who is in Tuluk secondary school. This will give her humble time to concentrate on her academics. Flash flooding has been a perennial problem in our area, with the transfers from GiveDirectly, I will spend my last transfers $350 to secure a piece of land in the area which is not affected by flash floods. This will help me relocate my family to a safer ground.
What is the happiest part of your day?
It was in May 2024 when my sister Lynne Naisoi had been sent home to fetch school fees arrears. We never had any savings as we were struggling with the scars of flash floods that we experienced in April. I was worried that her education would end up in jeopardy. It was on a Monday morning when I decided to go and meet with the school principal, I explained the whole situation and requested him to allow my sister to continue with her studies. The school principal was understanding and gave my sister another chance to pursue her dreams. This made me so happy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
It cost me about $300 to prepare and cultivate my 2.5 acre piece of land. This investment gave me hope of living a better life. As it is said, "Do not count the chicks before the eggs are hatched." I was optimistic and hopeful that I will have a bumper harvest this season. Things took a different turn, on that fateful day we received heavy downpour which lasted for about 3 hours. The whole village was flooded and I lost all my investment in flash floods. All that I had invested was reduced to ashes. I am left recounting losses. I never imagine that I will end up burning charcoal to earn a living and support my family.