GDLive Newsfeed
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.
Saul's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Saul enrolled.
"For the longest time I have wanted to do farming but due to financial constraints, I have never done it. I have three acres of land along the river and it needs proper fencing before planting. Join receiving these transfers I will purchase good fencing material, a generator and pipes for laying drip irrigation. Afterwards, I can venture into farming full the as I would no longer have to worry about efficient production of vegetables. With the high demand, I can fetch good amount of money which will help me change my life around further more pursuing agricultural interests."
Priscila's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Priscila enrolled.
"Receiving this money means financial freedom. I desire to do irrigation on my two-acre land. I sold land to purchase a generator for pumping water to the farm but the money was not enough to purchase water pipes. These transfers will enable us to start up vegetable farming and ensure a constant flow of income for my family. I am thankful for the opportunity to make my life better and I am hopeful to take my children to school up until they pursue their careers."
Purity's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Purity received a $319 second payment.
"Every night, my firstborn son—who is unemployed—would move from one neighbourhood to another in search of a place to sleep. As his mother, I had to endure restless nights because, although being a teenager, he was still in my care. Because of the tiny size of our family compound, I thus choose to buy him a plot with the second transfer so that he can start a family and enjoy the privacy he deserves. For now, we are working to raise more money so that we can build a new structure for him. Additionally, one of the issues I deal with is food insecurity; I spent $146 on food, which took us a month. Additionally, I was able to purchase water pipes because I intended to install fresh tap water in my compound. The cost was $40. Being used for domestic and agricultural motives will be a relief. At first, it was difficult since we had to go far away to get water. I will be able to practice irrigation for the moment. After finishing that, I spent $20 on maize seedlings, which I successfully planted on a half-acre plot. One of my five children had also been expelled for unpaid tuition, so I paid the $20 arrear to allow her to finish her studies. My wife and I don't have a stable income, and sometimes we just make $3 a day, which is insufficient to sustain our family, therefore I am convinced that she could still be at home by now."
Peris's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Peris received a $319 second payment.
"My wife and I sat down and decided that we should buy a water tank that would be utilized to store water primarily for home needs and to allow us to practice the irrigation plan due to the protracted drought that we have been experiencing. So, after receiving the money, we bought the tank and a hosepipe for about $200. We are currently waiting for the rains to begin so that we can finish starting this assignment. I believe it will be a relief because our farm output will increase and I won't have to trek as far in quest of water as I did in previous years. Additionally, one of my sons is in form two and had been at home for nearly two weeks. Because I have always wanted him to succeed in the future, I paid the outstanding balance and had him resume his studies with his friends. He is no longer burdened by late payments. Making ends meet was a constant challenge for me as the family's sole provider for seven members. Later on, I was able to expand my kiosk business, which allowed me to eventually become financially independent."
Irene's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Irene received a $319 second payment.
"My previous house used to leak uncontrollably whenever it rains and during the scorching sun, we never had peace. This has been frustrating me for long and even worried me. Sometimes I was forced to shelter elsewhere. Also, from the look it could collapse and harm my children physically. My dream has however been to stay in a conducive living environment with my family which comprised of six. Therefore I bought iron sheets For $202 to renovate the house and for a more decent lifestyle. I am so happy to have finally restored our joy as a family and have full peace of mind. To add to that I had previously cultivated my farm unfortunately I was unable to purchase the maize seeds at my cost. all I can say is that GiveDiectly came to my rescue and finally was able to get the seeds and even plant them timely as I continue with the irrigation exercise. Apart from the above, I purchased a goat, at $40. Because of the many needs that I had within my family I never had the chance to rear a goat in my homestead. I now believe that it will help me to face any financial crisis that might arise. Also, I managed to buy spare parts for the lortobuke that my spouse uses in his daily activities. It had broken down which affected them because he has been the breadwinner. Glad to mention that it's now functioning well and he is back to his business. I also tuition of $10 for my six children who are in primary school. I aim to see them finish study without any interruptions."
Jane's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Jane received a $142 initial payment.
"I have been tirelessly working on a 3-acre maize plantation, facing various challenges while trying to bring water through pipes from a nearby seasonal river for irrigation. This has been the sole source of food for my family of four, and despite the difficulties, I have persevered, hoping for a bountiful harvest. However, when I received the first transfer, I was in desperate need of assistance to purchase top-dressing fertilizer, as I was unable to afford it due to other financial obligations. I am thankful that with $70, I managed to acquire 100 kilograms of fertilizer, resulting in positive outcomes and renewed hope for a successful harvest. Additionally, I purchased a chain link for $25, which I plan to use for fencing a portion of my compound. Furthermore, I allocated $50 to buy grafted banana suckers and incurred a cost of $30 for their transportation, intending to plant them at home. As a primary school teacher relying on a modest salary, I am grateful for the support that not only benefited my farming activities but also allowed me to obtain essential household goods with the remaining amount."
Janeth's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Janeth received a $390 second payment.
"My utmost desire is to increase maize production and ensure that my children complete their education without any debts. These goals hold great importance to me, and I am determined to work towards achieving them. I will assess my available resources and determine the suitable amount of land for cultivation. Conducting soil testing will help me understand the fertility of the soil and make any necessary adjustments. I will then research and select high-quality maize seed varieties that are well-suited to my climate and soil conditions. By implementing proper agricultural practices such as timely planting, irrigation, weed control, and pest management, I aim to maximize yields. Investing in machinery, such as tractors or irrigation systems, may enhance efficiency. Financial planning is crucial to ensure that my children can complete their education without accumulating debts. I will develop a budget, allocating a portion of my income towards setting aside funds for school fees."
Lilian's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Lilian received a $319 second payment.
"Despite the challenging effects of the ongoing drought, which have left us in a vulnerable state, I hold a vision for the coming year and beyond. My aspiration is to embark on irrigation farming, utilizing a 10-acre parcel of land. Through this venture, I wish to cultivate a diverse range of crops that will not only provide sustenance for my family of nine but also generate surplus for sale. By achieving this goal, I anticipate improved food security and increased income. Furthermore, I intend to invest in a generator to eliminate the need for costly generator rentals, allowing us to save money and allocate resources more efficiently. Through these endeavors, I hope to overcome the hardships imposed by the drought and achieve greater stability and self-sufficiency for my family."
Jumaa's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Jumaa received a $25 tenth payment.
"With extensive expertise in farming, my primary objective revolves around investing my monthly transfers into agricultural ventures. In past years, the most significant hurdle I encountered was the scarcity of rainfall and inadequate irrigation resources. Presently, I am in the process of excavating a substantial reservoir to collect and store water during the upcoming rainy season. Looking ahead, my plan is to utilize my two-acre farm to cultivate watermelons, a crop that holds promising prospects for generating substantial income."
Salina's family
access_time over 1 year ago
Salina received a $319 second payment.
"With the second transfer, I optimized the maize plantation through an investment of $140 in purchasing four 50-kg bags of top dressing fertilizers. This allocation aimed to enhance the growth and yield of my three-acre maize farm, despite the challenges posed by the devastating drought. To further diversify my agricultural activities, I acquired certified tomato seedlings from reputable vendors in Naivasha, spending $120. In the face of the harsh climatic conditions, I took a proactive approach by leasing a three-acre piece of land situated near a reliable stream that has consistently provided water for irrigation. Currently, the maize plants have entered the flowering stage, and I remain hopeful that they will retain sufficient water to reach maturity. I anticipate a bumper harvest that will not only serve as a vital food source for my family but also provide surplus produce for sale. I also spent $70 on purchasing dry maize grains to sustain my family of eight. This investment in food would help meet our immediate dietary needs. Additionally, I used $55 to pay school fees for my son, who had recently joined Form 1, ensuring that his educational journey continues uninterrupted. Without forgetting clothing and footwear, I dedicated the remaining $65 to buying clothes and pairs of shoes for my six children. Their excitement and gratitude upon receiving this support were heartwarming, reaffirming the positive impact these provisions have on their lives."
irrigation