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.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference is that I now own a pair of oxen. for previously I was hiring from my neighbours which cost me a lot. Through the transfer then I was able to Acquire my own which will help me in early and timely cultivation. I will no longer be hiring, instead, I will hire to them at a fee. I will also increase my acreage for maximum yields.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I received the notification early in the morning as I had gone to fetch water from a nearby borehole. On checking to confirm who the sender was, I was instantly filled with happiness as I went through the message from GiveDirectly that I had received my first transfer from them.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent my first transfer on purchasing a pair of oxen and ox-plough. Initially, I was hiring from my neighbours to help in cultivating my farm at a fee which was costly. Because of this, getting the pair of oxen was part of my plan. Through the pair, I will be able to cultivate a large piece of land so as to get better yields. I will no longer be hiring from others, instead, I will be hiring to them at a fee which to me is a source of income when the season for planting comes. The house that I was living in was small and not spacious enough to accommodate my family. My children had to seek shelter from there friends. Thus on receiving the transfer, I bought Iron sheets and other building materials to expand and increase the number of rooms to four so as to create a space for them and also for a kitchen. I am happy that I will be living with my children now in the same house. I did some shopping on food and other basic necessities for my family so that we would not lack any of them.
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means that I will be able to buy a ploughing machine and cow which will relieve me from spending a lot of manual labour and time in preparing my land. I will be able to pay school fees for my child using part of the transfer in order to allow him to spend much time in school and get good education like other kids.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the morning when I prepare breakfast for my family. This makes me happy as my kids are able to play and continue with their daily activities when they are healthy and strong.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I face in my life is that we currently face hunger as a family and the food we get is never enough. This is because of the bad weather and lack of proper farming tools.
