Behavioural Interventions to Reduce Child Trafficking in Nepal

Speaker: Dr David Smerdon

Affiliation: The University of Queensland

Location: Level 6 Boardroom (629), Colin Clark Building (#39), St Lucia Campus

Zoom:  https://uqz.zoom.us/j/82603079317

Abstract: Despite decades of investment in counter-trafficking programming, there is limited rigorous evidence on what actually works to reduce child trafficking—especially in low-income settings like Nepal. This project develops an early-stage research design for a pilot RCT focused on behaviorally-informed interventions to reduce sex trafficking vulnerability for Nepali girls in high-risk communities. We approach trafficking as a constrained migration decision, where individuals weigh the risks of exploitation against the (perceived or real) economic rewards. This framework helps explain why traditional awareness campaigns often fall short. Drawing on lessons from recent field experiments in Nepal and Nigeria, we explore alternative intervention models targeting identity, norms, and aspirations. We also test new tools for measuring sensitive behaviors, including list experiments and vignette-based outcomes, and we talk about potential ‘hard’ outcome measures in this context. This presentation outlines our conceptual framework, the proposed study design, and examples of potential interventions—ranging from community storytelling to norm activation and commitment devices.