The influence of school feeding programme on performance enrollment and attendance of basic school children in the Nandom Municipality of the Upper West Region of Ghana

Abstract

This study focused on Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP), which was conceptualized to provide pupils at the public basic schools with one hot nutritious meal per day. The objectives of GSFP included reduction of hunger and malnutrition, increase school enrolment, attendance and retention among others. The study therefore seeks to assess the “Effects of school feeding programme on school enrolment, attendance and academic performance of the pupils in the basic Schools”. The study adopted qualitative research design to explore the perceptions of people about the Ghana School Feeding Programme and its impact on school enrolment, attendance, retention and academic performance of Basic school children. The study also explored some of the challenges encountered in the implementation of the SFP in Ghana. The researcher used a purposive sampling technique to select 5 basic schools which were used the study. Data was collected through a semi- structured questionnaire with purposive sampling to select 14 respondents which will include; Circuit supervisors, parents, teachers and caterers as respondents. The key findings revealed that, there has been a significant increase in enrolment of beneficiary schools. Pupils are motivated to stay in school, and as a result, there has been an improvement in the performance. The beneficiary schools of GSFP are not without challenges since the study revealed that there is lack of commitment from key actors in the implementation of the programme. The study recommends that, since the majority of the respondents are aware of the existence of the GSFP, they should be educated on its implementation to improve on the performance of the programme. Also the provision of the one hot nutritious meal should be supplemented with some snacks in other to make the GSFP better. Efforts should be made by government to increase monitoring of the programme for it to realize it purpose effectively.