Ripple Donates 25,000 RLUSD to Crypto Aid Program for Drought-Stricken Kenyan Herders

Just days after rolling out its Ripple USD (RLUSD) stablecoin into its global payment ecosystem, Ripple is already using it in the real world and for a meaningful cause. 

In a powerful new pilot initiative, the blockchain company has teamed up with Mercy Corps Ventures and DIVA Donate to provide targeted aid to drought-hit herding communities in northern Kenya’s Laikipia County.

The initiative will use RLUSD, a U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin, to offer financial support directly to 533 pastoralist families at risk from worsening drought conditions. Using smart contracts and satellite data, the aid will be deployed quickly, transparently, and right when it’s needed most.

What if aid could be faster, smarter, and more transparent? @Ripple, @MCSocialVenture & @DIVADonate_xyz are piloting blockchain-powered aid—using RLUSD for drought insurance in Kenya: https://t.co/4FXAZYiFQ2

🛰️ Satellite data detects drought risk
💰 Smart contracts automate…

— Ripple (@Ripple) April 4, 2025

Use of Satellite-Based Aid Distribution 

At the heart of this initiative is a clever blend of blockchain and climate data. The system tracks the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), which uses satellite imagery to assess vegetation health. 

If the data shows signs of drought, specifically a drop in vegetation health, by May 31, 2025, each registered herder will automatically receive $75 in RLUSD. That’s around 9,600 Kenyan shillings, enough to support the feeding and care of one animal for six months.

Funds are preloaded into an RLUSD escrow pool, enabling instant, automated disbursement through smart contracts. 

Anyone with a connected wallet can donate to the pool, and unused funds can be reclaimed or rolled over into future aid cycles. This ensures a high level of transparency and reduces the risk of delays that often plague traditional aid models.

A New Use Case for Stablecoins and Blockchain Aid

Ripple says this pilot is a key part of its broader vision of using blockchain to improve cross-border payments and drive financial inclusion. With nearly 1.4 billion people worldwide still unbanked or underbanked, projects like this show how blockchain can bridge critical gaps.

This isn’t Ripple’s only venture into humanitarian finance. At the Swell 2024 conference, Ripple also announced a new partnership with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) to test blockchain-powered relief programs. 

Ripple committed $1 million to the initiative, which will explore the use of XRP Ledger tech for fast, secure cash transfers in crisis zones where traditional financial systems fall short.

By stepping beyond crypto trading and into real-world problem-solving, Ripple is offering a glimpse into a future where blockchain is transformative.