With my own generator, I now feel empowered to fully embrace farming by irrigating my two-acre maize farm without needing to rely on borrowing equipment. This new setup will not only supply my family with food but will also create a steady source of income that I can use to meet other household needs with confidence. I plan to start irrigation as soon as possible, keeping the soil hydrated even in dry seasons, which is key to achieving strong, healthy crop growth and, ultimately, a reliable harvest. The idea of having this sustainable income flow fills me with a deep sense of relief and excitement. Knowing that my family will be well-fed and that I can support other expenses gives me peace of mind. By expanding our farm with irrigation, I am building a long-term solution to secure our needs and improve our living standards. This plan makes me feel capable and hopeful, knowing that our future is growing alongside each crop in the field.

What I appreciate most about GiveDirectly is their approach to providing unconditional cash transfers. This support allows us the freedom to use the funds in ways that best address our individual needs and challenges. With this flexibility, I can prioritize what's most important for my family without restrictions, whether that’s covering school fees, purchasing food, or investing in sustainable projects. I would strongly recommend that GiveDirectly continue to expand this model and enroll more people. Keeping the focus on unconditional cash transfers is impactful, empowering more families to make meaningful, self-directed improvements in their lives.

When I received $450 from GiveDirectly, I was overjoyed and decided to invest in essentials I previously couldn’t afford. First, I focused on improving my farm. I used $100 to prepare two acres of land where I plan to plant maize. This crop will help us address food security at home, and with any surplus, I can earn income to meet other household needs. Additionally, I used $200 to buy a generator. In our area, dry spells are common, but we have permanent rivers, so irrigation is possible. Now, with my generator, I no longer need to borrow one and can keep my crops healthy year-round, securing a larger and more reliable harvest. To meet immediate needs, I spent $60 on grains and beans, staple foods that will sustain my family with regular meals for up to three months. Lastly, I used $50 to construct a latrine and bathroom, ensuring we meet basic health standards while also providing privacy and dignity for my family. This support from GiveDirectly has allowed me to make long-term improvements and secure a better future for us all.

On Sunday morning, my son became very sick, and we didn’t have any money to take him to a good hospital. So, my husband and I just sat at home, worried. By around 2 PM, our son’s condition worsened, so we decided to take him to a nearby dispensary for treatment. As we arrived, I heard a message notification on my phone. I handed it to my husband to read, noticing an unusual smile on his face—he rarely smiles like that. When he told me it was money from GiveDirectly, I was both relieved and overjoyed. After getting the medicine for our son, we returned home and immediately began planning how we would use the money the next morning.

Even though water poses many challenges to our development, I am grateful to GiveDirectly for their great support. I see myself making good progress once the water recedes, as I plan to start planting watermelons, which I am confident will yield high profits. The floods have caused significant difficulties, as they washed away my 2 hectares of maize, setting my life back to square one and delaying my planting plans. Despite these setbacks, I remain hopeful for a better outcome.

My husband is a boda boda rider, earning about $3 per day, which we primarily relied on for food. I also work as a charcoal burner to support him if he doesn’t get enough customers. When we received the cash, we decided to invest $100 in purchasing watermelon seeds. We planned to plant them when the water on our land receded. We chose this investment because watermelon yields high income, and the market is readily available. Before receiving this cash, we didn’t have a toilet or bathroom, so I used $80 to buy iron sheets to start constructing one. When I receive the second transfer, I will complete the construction, which will allow us to take showers and use the toilet in privacy, rather than relying on the bushes as we do now.With the remaining $20, I purchased food to stock up at home, which helps us avoid buying small amounts every day.