- Blockchain meets aid: Ripple insures Kenyan pastoralists using RLUSD.
- Satellite data drives smarter drought relief through Ripple’s Web3 pilot.
- BNY Mellon backs RLUSD, signaling growing trust in stablecoins.
Ripple has completed the first phase of its blockchain-powered drought insurance pilot in Kenya, delivering a new approach to humanitarian aid. In collaboration with DIVA Donate, the program insured 517 pastoralists using RLUSD, Ripple’s recently launched stablecoin, with 70% of beneficiaries being women.
The project used satellite-based vegetation data to monitor drought risk during the most vulnerable season. Since the data showed sufficient vegetation to support livestock, no payouts were triggered.
As a result, the unused RLUSD funds have been automatically rolled into the next phase, maintaining protection for the same group of beneficiaries.
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Pilot Expands with New Funding and Broader Reach
The next phase of the initiative will again focus on Laikipia County, a region known for its susceptibility to drought. With an expanded goal of covering 533 individuals, the upcoming cycle aims to offer $75 in aid per person if vegetation levels fall below the set threshold by the end of the rainy season in 2025.
This phase comes with a funding target of $40,000. The campaign has already received a boost of $12,000 in leftover funds from prior efforts led by Mercy Corps Ventures and Arbitrum.
The pilot continues to utilize RLUSD on Ethereum, with all funds held in a blockchain-based escrow system. This setup ensures transparency in donations and automates disbursements through smart contracts linked to real-world satellite data.
BNY Mellon Named Primary Custodian for RLUSD
To strengthen the credibility and security of RLUSD, Ripple has named BNY Mellon as its primary custodian. The partnership marks a notable moment as one of the world’s oldest financial institutions moves deeper into digital assets.
With RLUSD fully regulated under New York’s financial framework, the stablecoin is positioned as a trusted tool for blockchain-integrated financial services.
Ripple’s Web3 insurance pilot is setting a new standard for disaster preparedness. By merging blockchain, stablecoins, and satellite technology, the initiative offers a more transparent, efficient, and scalable solution for delivering aid to communities at risk.
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