Ripple has launched a humanitarian pilot project aimed at using its recently integrated stablecoin, Ripple USD (RLUSD), to deliver drought relief to vulnerable pastoralist communities in Kenya. This marks one of the first real-world use cases for RLUSD in a humanitarian aid setting, demonstrating the growing role of blockchain and stablecoins in social impact initiatives.
Partnering for Purpose: Ripple, Mercy Corps Ventures, and DIVA Donate
The pilot is being conducted in partnership with Mercy Corps Ventures and DIVA Donate, a decentralized finance platform that facilitates aid delivery using blockchain technology. Together, the organizations aim to support 533 pastoralists in Laikipia County, Kenya, who are experiencing increasing climate-related risks.
“This project shows how blockchain can unlock new efficiencies in humanitarian aid,” said Team Ripple in a blog post. “By using RLUSD, we’re bringing speed, transparency, and direct access to those who need it most.”
How It Works: Smart Contracts and Satellite-Triggered Payments
The RLUSD drought relief program will operate on the Ethereum network. Funds donated to the RLUSD pool will be held in escrow via smart contracts, which are programmed to release the aid only when specific drought conditions are detected via satellite.
If satellite data confirms a vegetation shortage by May 31, 2025, each eligible participant will receive $75 in RLUSD (around 9,600 Kenyan shillings). This amount is estimated to cover food and water needs for one animal over six months—a critical resource for pastoralist families who depend on livestock for survival.
Contributors can donate by connecting their wallets, and if no drought is detected, they can withdraw their RLUSD or allocate it to future relief campaigns.
Advancing Blockchain for Humanitarian Aid
This pilot is part of Ripple’s broader initiative to demonstrate the utility of RLUSD in cross-border payments and humanitarian programs. By incorporating blockchain into aid distribution, Ripple and its partners hope to improve transparency, reduce intermediaries, and enable faster, more reliable payouts.
The initiative comes on the heels of Ripple’s integration of RLUSD into its payment solutions, further expanding the stablecoin’s utility.
What’s Next?
Ripple has committed to publishing results of the Kenya pilot later this summer. If successful, the program could serve as a model for future aid efforts in other climate-affected regions.
This pilot also comes amid growing momentum in Kenya’s crypto landscape, as the country moves closer to legalizing digital assets, potentially paving the way for broader adoption of Web3 solutions in public and humanitarian sectors.
