Financial constraints are a real challenge for us right now. As a family of three, we rely on casual jobs like weeding, tomato picking, and charcoal burning just to make ends meet. The $4 we earn daily goes straight towards covering our household expenses such as food and clothing, leaving nothing left over to save. I have been really eager to invest in farming, but our current financial situation makes it difficult to move forward with that dream.

As the breadwinner for my family of three, it has been a constant struggle to keep us afloat. Despite the uncertainty of casual jobs, I am grateful that I have never failed in providing for my family. Recently, we faced devastating floods that wiped out my 0.5-acre tomato farm and damaged our household items. It was a tough blow. However, amidst the losses, I am incredibly thankful that my family remained safe from the destructive rains. It is moments like these that remind me of the importance of resilience and staying strong for those who depend on me.

When the floods hit our village Loldama two months ago, it was devastating. I lost my entire 0.5 acres of tomato plantation that I had worked so hard on. I had invested $200 into those tomatoes, money I earned from selling my goats. Seeing it all washed away was heartbreaking. I have been feeling so down since then. I earn just $4 a day from casual jobs, and every penny goes towards putting food on the table for my family. There has been no way to save up to restart farming. But now, with the expected transfers, there is a glimmer of hope. I am planning to use $450 to replant tomatoes on my land. I hope this investment pays off. My dream is to not only recover what I lost but also to earn enough to build a new house for my wife, child, and myself. Our grass-thatched house was destroyed in the floods, and we have been living in makeshift conditions since then. An iron-roofed house would mean so much as it would give us security and comfort. I am determined to make this work.