Rural Credit and Migration: A Study on India’s Brick Kiln Industry

This project, conducted by the University of Chicago Trust, India, with support from the Data, Policy, and Innovation Centre in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha, and the University of Warwick, United Kingdom, sought to explore the relationship between rural credit constraints and migration patterns, particularly within the brick kiln industry in select villages of Bolangir district, Odisha.

The study focused on understanding how limited access to credit influenced migration decisions among rural households, especially in the context of labor migration to brick kilns. It aimed to uncover the socio-economic challenges that households faced due to financial constraints and how these limitations drove families to migrate in search of better livelihood opportunities.

The research was carried out by Morsel Research and Development Private Limited, which conducted the household survey with a team of trained surveyors. This study provided no direct benefits for participating households, but the findings offered valuable insights into rural adaptation strategies and informed policies related to migration, rural development, and financial inclusion. The collected data was kept confidential and used exclusively for academic and research purposes.

Ultimately, the project aimed to influence policy changes that could improve access to financial resources and create better opportunities for rural households, reducing the need for migration driven by financial hardship.