My house is currently a small, one-room structure with a sloped roof and old iron sheets. My plan is to renovate it by installing a modern roof with better-quality iron sheets. I also want to expand the house to make it more spacious and comfortable for my family. Right now, I am in a better financial position than before, and I believe it is important to reflect this improvement in my home. I plan to use part of the proceeds from my upcoming tomato harvest to fund the renovations. Additionally, I will allocate some of the money to plant maize on another piece of land that I have already prepared, ensuring a steady source of income for the future.

What I like most about GiveDirectly is the clarity and transparency they provide during enrollment. We were thoroughly informed about the organization, the source of the cash, and its ultimate goal, making it easy for us to understand the process. Enrollment was also optional, which gave people the freedom to choose whether they wanted to participate or not. The follow-up after the transfers was instrumental in ensuring that people planned wisely and used the money effectively, which equipped us with valuable planning skills. I believe GiveDirectly’s approach is highly effective, and I see no areas for improvement; my hope is that they continue supporting more people in the same way.

As a crop farmer involved in both commercial and subsistence farming, the second transfer I received from GiveDirectly came at a crucial time. My tomatoes, which I had planted on half an acre, were doing well, but they needed herbicides and pesticides. I spent $100 on that to protect the crops from pests and diseases. Additionally, I had to support the tomatoes off the ground, so I invested $100 to purchase about 10,000 stakes. Without giving up on farming, I also needed to prepare for the next planting season. I spent $50 to prepare my one-acre land, with plans to sell the tomatoes and use the proceeds to plant maize on the prepared land. Food was another pressing challenge since I had lost most of my crops to floods earlier this year, which had been our main source of income. To sustain my family, I had been doing riding motorbike, but the income was inconsistent. Therefore, I used part of the transfer to buy a bag of maize for $40 and 45 kg of beans for $25 to ensure we had enough food for a while. We also lacked proper seating arrangements at home and had been improvising with wooden planks. With $50, I bought a three-seater sofa set and spent another $35 on five plastic chairs, which now provide enough seating for our family and visitors. We no longer have to borrow chairs from neighbors. Lastly, my wife and I didn’t have decent clothes, so we used $50 from the transfer to buy new clothes, which now make us feel more presentable. Thanks to GiveDirectly.

I was at home with my wife, browsing on my phone, when a message popped up informing me that I had received $200 from GiveDirectly. I immediately shared the news with my wife, and we both felt a rush of excitement. The first thought that came to my mind was to get back into tomato farming. My wife and I began to discuss our plans, feeling hopeful about what this new venture could bring for our family. The support from GiveDirectly had opened up a new path for us, and we were eager to make the most of it

The biggest difference in my life since I started receiving cash transfers from GiveDirectly has been my ability to get back to farming after the floods. Previously, my one-acre tomato farm was swept away by the floods, which affected me deeply since it was my only source of income. I felt lost and uncertain about the future. However, with the support from GiveDirectly, I was able to return to farming. I found a much safer piece of land, away from the threat of floods, where I could plant tomatoes again. This opportunity has brought me so much joy and relief. I am incredibly grateful for the help I received, as it has allowed me to regain my passion for farming and secure a means of income for my family. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I am back to doing what I love, and I look forward to a better future.

I received $200 from GiveDirectly right after my one-acre tomato farm was swept away by floods. This was a huge shock for me because that farm was my only source of income. Despite the setback, I refused to give up. I decided to use $130 to get back into tomato farming, but this time in a different location, away from the threat of floods, on a smaller plot of a quarter acre. I am incredibly grateful to GiveDirectly for restoring my hope. I used the money to buy seeds and prepare the land. Now, I am back to farming, something I love deeply, and I plan to make this venture sustainable. My goal is to use the proceeds from the farm to continue growing different crops and support my family. With $50, I bought food, as we had no harvest and were facing food scarcity. This money allowed us to have enough food during a difficult time of hunger. Finally, I used the rest of the money to buy clothes for myself and my wife, so that we could both feel the support and look better. This assistance has made a significant difference in our lives, and we are truly thankful.