Rwanda

"I am a wife and a mother to a two-month-old. Our main challenges before the GiveDirectly cash transfers were the lack of sufficient land for farming and livestock to provide fertilizer. Our tiny plot of land couldn't produce a harvest that would last until the next season. When we received GiveDirectly support, we bought farmland for $650, a cow for $450, and two pigs for $75. In the coming season, we will be able to cultivate a larger area and we will no longer worry about food shortages."

"I like drinking milk, and so do my children, but I couldn't afford a dairy cow. We did casual jobs, earning less than $2 a day, which wasn't enough to cover all our needs. After learning that we were eligible for GiveDirectly support, we bought a dairy cow for $700 and used the remaining money to renovate our house, fixing the roof. Now, we are a happy family! Our cow gives us 5 litres of milk a day; we drink some and sell the rest."

"I got pregnant during my second year of high school and had to drop out. Taking care of my baby wasn't easy since my parents were also struggling to make ends meet. When I received my transfer, I spent $100 on clothes and a carrier for my baby. I also bought a goat, plus a mattress and sheets, and now we sleep much better. My next big project is to set up a canteen to have a stable job. With the profits, I'll be able to give my daughter a better life and a good education."

"I always wanted to own a motorbike, sometimes even borrowing one for a day or two, but was unable to gather enough resources to purchase my own. The transfer facilitated the realization of my dream to own a motorcycle, which I have already begun using for transportation business. Within the first week of work, I have generated over $50. This investment not only aids in meeting daily expenses but also enables further investments, particularly in agriculture and livestock."