Innovations for Poverty Action: Profit Motives, Working Conditions, and Labor Trafficking: Evidence from Bangladesh’s Brick Kiln Industry
This project evaluates whether providing training and incentivising brick kiln owners to adopt cleaner and safer brick production methods leads to improved working conditions and a reduction in human trafficking within the sector. The study investigates the extent to which profit motives can align with ethical labour practices, while simultaneously promoting environmental improvements through cleaner kiln technologies.
Five-Axis Transformation via the Brick Kiln Intervention
Data
Collection of detailed labour and operational data from participating kilns, including worker demographics, incidence of forced labour, working hours, and kiln efficiency metrics, to assess the impact of interventions.
Capacity Building / Technical Assistance
Kiln owners receive targeted training on cleaner kiln technologies, health and safety standards, and labour management practices to foster safer, more productive work environments.
Technology / Machinery
Introduction and adoption of improved kiln designs that reduce emissions and improve operational efficiency, while promoting compliance with health and safety standards.
Finance
Incentive mechanisms are provided to kiln owners to encourage adoption of cleaner technologies and ethical labour practices, reducing financial barriers to change.
Policy
Findings inform national and local labour policies, supporting evidence-based interventions to reduce labour exploitation and promote environmentally sustainable brick production.
Strategic Impact & Value Proposition
Improved Working Conditions
Adoption of cleaner and safer kiln technologies leads to better health outcomes and safer working environments for brick kiln workers.
Reduction in Labour Trafficking
Interventions demonstrate that aligning incentives with ethical practices can reduce incidents of forced labour and trafficking in the brick industry.
Environmental Benefits
Cleaner kiln adoption reduces emissions and resource consumption, contributing to environmental sustainability in the sector.
Replication & Policy Influence
Evidence from the evaluation provides guidance for policymakers and NGOs to scale similar interventions across other industrial sectors vulnerable to labour exploitation.
Alignment of Profit and Ethics
Demonstrates that profitability and social responsibility can be mutually reinforcing when combined with targeted incentives and capacity-building initiatives.