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.
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2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($521 USD)
access_time 4 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life is different than it would have been if I never received these transfers in that I now own a pair of oxen. I will be using my own pair of oxen to plough my farm thus no more costs would be incurred through hiring my neighbor's oxen. Previously, I would hire from my neighbors which were a bit costly hence could sometimes delay my farming. I am now happy that owning these pair will make my farming much easier and cheaper. I am expecting a better harvest which would ensure food security for my family.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly has done well in giving us the money unconditionally to improve our living standards.We have managed to build new decent houses and more so, livestock as living assets and savings for the future. I do not see anything that GiveDirectly does not do well.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent my second transfer to buy two beds and two mattresses .I paid school fees for my two children who are in nursery school. I bought an ox to add on the other ox I had bought with the first transfer. With the pair of oxen, I will no longer hire my neighbor's during the planting season. I am also expecting to plough my farm timely for a better harvest. The remaining amount 20,000 KES I have saved with the intention of purchasing my family's basic needs such as foodstuffs and clothing for my children.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($541 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
I am happy that today I own livestock that is an ox . This is my biggest difference because I intend to acquire another ox with the upcoming transfer in order to have a pair. I am hopeful with the pair of ox , I will be able to increase the acreage of land for cultivation . Thereafter , my harvest shall double because, with the help of the oxen it ought to take less time of ploughing an acre as compared to using hoes . Before, I depend on the traditional ways of farming where I usually use the hoe and in most cases this gives me low produce that could not sustain my family for even two months. I desire to upscale my farm produce using these ox which will increase food production in my household .
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was in the morning at around 6:30 AM the vibration of my phone woke me up . I did decided to check on it immediately since it was not normal to receive messages at that time . Upon checking it out ,It was a notification receipt that confirmed I had received my first transfer . I got myself laughing out of joy and woke my wife whom I informed the good news . We celebrated together thanking God for the blessing He had brought through GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent part of my first transfer to buy an ox . This has been my long-time dream but due to my low financial status, I could not afford .With this ox I am hopeful to enhance my food security production by scaling up my farming practices . I bought two mattresses , a table and clothing . I also bought building materials such as timbers , 6 iron sheets and a wooden door that shall facilitate the construction of my children's house. I have settled all the debts which I had in three different shops of food with the remaining transfers as well .
Enrolled
access_time over 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Starting a joint shop business with my brother within the village has been my ambition for long but this has never materialized due to financial challenges. The very factor that influenced our decision is the fact that getting a packet of maize flour means walking for 30 minutes to reach a kiosk. Considering this case, starting a kiosk can benefit me a lot because I am at the center of the village. My plan was to contribute each 25 USD with my brother that can act as our starting capital to stock the shop. This will be my reliable source of income, something that will change the nature of my current job which is to take care of my neighbour's cows. I will also use $300 to buy an oxen that will help me to upscale my farming and possibly hire to my neighbours on fee. This will change our livelihood and hence, a better life.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Evening is the happiest part of my day since it is at this time when I come home with something for the family's dinner. Unlike in the morning and afternoon hours where I am always in the working sites.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of a reliable source of income to support my family of 6 has been my biggest hardship. I usually work as a casual labourer within the village and my earnings are utmost $2.5 per day and this cannot fully sustain the needs of my family. In most cases, we have skipped our main meals for even 3 consecutive days when I fail to secure a job. This has made my life so difficult since I am always in deep thoughts of how I will get a permanent job that can be of reliable to my family.
