Do working and living conditions influence brick-kiln productivity? Evidence from Nepal.

The brick-kiln (BK) sector in Nepal is largely an informal sector. This study investigated the influence of working and living conditions (WLCs) in BKs on productivity at two levels - BK level and workers' level - using primary data collected from 781 workers and 80 BK entrepreneurs in 12 districts of Nepal. WLCs were assessed based on the provision of nine amenities to workers at BKs. Correlation and regression analyses revealed that WLCs have a positive influence on both BK level as well as workers' level productivity. Moreover, large BKs with better investment in zig-zag technology and mechanization are more likely to spend on improving WLCs than small BKs, who are reluctant to invest in WLCs due mainly to a lack of financial resources. The study suggests an integrated approach emphasizing equally improved WLCs and cleaner technology in the BK sector to transform it into a healthier and socio-environmentally responsible industry.

Forgotten Contributors in the Brick Sector in Nepal.

Brick making in Nepal is an informal sector that is still highly labor intensive. It employs transient workers who are extremely marginalized and exposed to poor working and living conditions. This study assesses the working and living conditions of male and female brick workers and their children and looks to address the main issues and challenges to promote decent living and working conditions in the brick factories through action research. A rapid needs assessment was conducted to take stock of the working and living conditions of male and female workers across five provinces in Nepal. Subsequently, selected pilot interventions through stakeholder consultations were initiated to address these issues and challenges. There are a host of challenges faced by these workers in the factories, with the main issues being occupational health and safety and childcare/education for workers' children. The study suggests that the working and living conditions of the workers can be improved by incentivizing the brick entrepreneurs to invest in them, thus creating a more productive workforce. Moreover, the findings from the pilot interventions can help in the design of effective solutions.