Ripple has partnered with Mercy Corps Ventures and DIVA Donate to launch a pilot project for pastoral communities in Kenya. By leveraging blockchain technology Ripple plans to save lives by delivering financial aid to drought-affected pastoral communities in Kenya.
The program will utilize Ripple’s newly launched RLUSD stablecoin, to increase transparency. With the help of timely assistance through smart contracts and satellite data it plans to maintain maximum efficiency. .
The pilot, focused on Laikipia County in northern Kenya, is designed to support 533 pastoralists who rely on livestock for their livelihoods. The herds and economic stability of these communities are being jeopardized by the ongoing droughts.
With the aid of this project, these families will be able to provide their animals with food and water. The project’s goal is to disperse aid before situations get critical by employing a proactive, data-driven approach.
Ripple plans to use smart contracts and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), which is a satellite-based tool for analyzing vegetation.
If NDVI data shows insufficient vegetation which indicates drought conditions by May 31, 2025. Each pastoralist will automatically receive around $75 in RLUSD. These funds, held in an escrow pool, can be contributed by anyone via a connected wallet. Unused funds can be redirected to future relief efforts.
Ripple strongly believes this approach reduces response time, increases efficiency, and helps communities prepare before disasters fully strike.
Ripple has been an early proponent of blockchain-based aid, supporting initiatives through its Ripple Impact program and recently partnering with the International Rescue Committee to test its blockchain-powered payments in aid distribution.
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