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Forgotten Contributors in the Brick Sector in Nepal

Author

Listed:
  • Sugat B. Bajracharya

    (International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, Lalitpur, G.P.O. Box 3226, Kathmandu 44700, Nepal)

  • Kamala Gurung

    (International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, Lalitpur, G.P.O. Box 3226, Kathmandu 44700, Nepal)

  • Luja Mathema

    (International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, Lalitpur, G.P.O. Box 3226, Kathmandu 44700, Nepal)

  • Sanjay Sharma

    (International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, Lalitpur, G.P.O. Box 3226, Kathmandu 44700, Nepal)

  • Arabinda Mishra

    (International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, Lalitpur, G.P.O. Box 3226, Kathmandu 44700, Nepal)

Abstract

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Sugat B. Bajracharya & Kamala Gurung & Luja Mathema & Sanjay Sharma & Arabinda Mishra, 2021. "Forgotten Contributors in the Brick Sector in Nepal," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(12), pages 1-11, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:12:p:6479-:d:575639
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Andrew Eil & Jie Li & Prajwal Baral & Eri Saikawa, 2020. "Dirty Stacks, High Stakes," World Bank Publications - Reports 33727, The World Bank Group.
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