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.
Regina's family
access_time 2 months ago
Regina received a $280 second payment.
"My primary goal is to secure a bright future for my ten children by ensuring they all complete their education. To achieve this, I am deeply committed to focusing on our farming activities to maximize productivity. Education is the key to changing their futures, and I am determined to unlock this door for them. The journey isn't easy. It requires hard work, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of efficiency in our agricultural practices. I seek innovative farming techniques to increase our yield. Whether it's through adopting new farming methods or improving our irrigation system, every enhancement on the farm is a direct investment in my children's education. This vision of ensuring all my children finish school keeps me motivated. It's a challenging journey that I undertake with hope and determination. we're not just planning to cultivate crops but cultivating dreams."
Safari's family
access_time 2 months ago
Safari received a $331 second payment.
"Lacking formal education and aspiring to be self-employed, my focus lies in agriculture. I possess two hectares of cassava awaiting harvest, ensuring a potential income exceeding $100. To enhance crop yields, I intend to implement furrow irrigation using connected water pipes, diminishing dependence on erratic rainfall. The direction ahead is evident – an independent venture in agriculture, nurturing both crops and opportunities for a prosperous future."
Alice's family
access_time 3 months ago
Alice received a $285 second payment.
"I have a strong desire to pivot towards farming, particularly focusing on cultivating perishable vegetables such as tomatoes. I plan to rent land near the river, recognizing its fertile soil and proximity to a water source—crucial for successful farming. To ensure consistent irrigation, I intend to hire a generator, a vital resource for this endeavor. The appeal of cultivating tomatoes lies in their high demand and ready market availability. I believe that by strategically positioning myself to produce these perishable vegetables, I can generate a sustainable income to support my family. This shift towards farming offers an exciting opportunity. My vision is not just about farming tomatoes; it's about fostering a sustainable livelihood for my family."
Tarkok's family
access_time 3 months ago
Tarkok received a $285 second payment.
"In the years ahead, my focus is on investing in farming—specifically cultivating maize and beans using irrigation techniques on my one-acre plot near the river. To facilitate this endeavor, I plan to purchase my generator. This investment will eliminate the need to hire one, ensuring a more cost-effective and sustainable approach to farming. I aim to firstly, sell the produce generated from these crops. Doing so will provide the means to pay for my grand children's school fees and support our daily needs. Second, it's an initiative to reduce my reliance on my small herd of goats for sustenance. By diversifying my income through farming, I hope to create a more stable and reliable source of livelihood. This strategic shift will not only alleviate the pressure on my existing resources but also pave the way for a more secure future for myself and my three grandchildren."
San's family
access_time 3 months ago
San received a $114 initial payment.
"At 3 pm, sunlight filtering through the windows, I found myself at home with my wife and two kids. A burst of joy enveloped me as the notification from GiveDirectly announced a welcomed gift of $200. In that moment, a cascade of possibilities unfolded in my mind. The immediate plan? Tending to my one acre of maize, weaving through the rows to tackle the overgrown weeds. With the rains gone, my thoughts turned practical that is irrigation to nurture the golden promise of the crop. Yet, beyond the fields, the warmth of the windfall stirred a familial desire. Christmas, with its joyous spirit, beckoned. The immediate future held visions of laughter and celebration as I resolved to organize a heartfelt party for my family, a testament to the transformative power of unexpected blessings."
Daisy's family
access_time 3 months ago
Daisy received a $287 second payment.
"GiveDirectly's most impactful contribution has been the provision of unconditional cash transfers. This support enabled us to address pressing needs crucial to our family's well-being. From securing farming capital to ensuring food, sanitation, and our children's education, these funds have been instrumental in diverse ways, for which we are immensely grateful. In our locality, we're fortunate to have access to a nearby irrigation scheme. My opinion, aside from the unconditional cash transfers, I firmly believe that by extending their support to farming through the distribution of diverse seeds tailored to our region, GiveDirectly could significantly elevate Agricultural productivity. This, in turn, could lead to improved livelihoods in the long run."
Jeniffer's family
access_time 4 months ago
Jeniffer received a $293 second payment.
"Currently, our reliance has been on subsistence farming, which is not consistently productive, and livestock farming to complement our practices, especially during harsh weather conditions. Looking ahead to the coming year, I have a grandchild preparing to transition to secondary school after completing the final primary school examination. With this in mind, my plan is to allocate a portion of the next transfer to cover the initial admission costs. Additionally, I aim to enhance my farming practices, capitalizing on the sufficient rainfall and utilizing irrigation from nearby seasonal streams to facilitate a better harvest. At the moment, I am focused on cultivating half an acre where I intend to plant maize, hoping for a substantial yield. The surplus from this harvest will be sold to cover subsequent school terms, ensuring continued support for my grandchild's education. This comprehensive approach reflects my commitment to both immediate and long-term needs within my family."
Dama's family
access_time 4 months ago
Dama received a $23 twenty-first payment.
"I sell charcoal to get an income, my husband farms for income. I have not had an income for two months, I cannot burn charcoal with the rains. It has been a blessing but the El-nino led to a number of losses including some seedlings we had in a bed to replant. This season will be preceded by another long drought and since we would like to farm to generate income we want to direct our funds next year to digging a well which we will use to do irrigation and ensure that our crops thrive. We will also save for a water pump to help get the water to the house."
Lilian's family
access_time 4 months ago
Lilian received a $131 initial payment.
"The support from Givedirectly has been transformative for our family. It's brought an incredible sense of peace and renewed hope for our dream of acquiring a generator and irrigation pipes. Before, the sight of our unplanted land was disheartening, but now, thanks to this support, we're on the path to making our project a reality and securing our future.The contrast is stark: from the sadness of watching our land lay barren to the growing possibility we now witness. Givedirectly has ignited this journey toward fulfilling our aspirations and ensuring sustainability. We're immensely grateful for this opportunity, and our gratitude knows no bounds. Thank you, GiveDirectly, for making this significant difference in our lives."
Vallary's family
access_time 4 months ago
Vallary enrolled.
"When I receive the transfer, it will help us in our farming activities. I plan to spend about $200 on planting maize, beans, and green grams. They are very profitable and can support my family in the long term. The funds will help us also do irrigation with ease since it's expensive. Education plays a key role in the future of anyone. We don't want our children to be left out. Therefore, we plan to spend about $200 on their education. That's; fees, books, and uniforms among other school requirements. Cows do well here due to plenty of grass, though not enough for a large stock. I plan to spend about $300 to buy one. A cow will provide us with milk for domestic use. Hence we won't have to buy milk again, cutting our household expenses. The rest of the transfer will be used to build a toilet since we don't have one currently. It's important for proper hygiene and good sanitation. It also reduces the chances of diseases."
irrigation