School feeding program and its effects on pupils’ outcomes in Ongino Sub –County, Kumi District

Abstract

This study sought to examine school feeding program and its effects on pupils’ outcomes in Ongino sub-county, Kumi district. The study was guided by the following objectives: to examine the nature of school feeding programs being implemented in primary schools in Kumi district; to determine the effects of school feeding or non-feeding practices on pupil’s activities in school; to compare the effect of school feeding or non-feeding practices on pupil’s activities in school and to examine the challenges of implementing school feeding programs in primary schools in Kumi district. In-order to achieve the above objectives, a case study design was undertaken where qualitative and quantitative data was used. The study sample size was made up of 105 respondents who included head teachers, teachers, parents, pupils, District Education Officer, District Inspectors of schools, LC 5 and 3 chairpersons were selected using purposive and simple random sampling techniques. Data was collected using questionnaire, documentary review and interview guide, Focused groups (FGDs) and then presented using tables and figures. Data was analyzed using SPSS 16. Study results show that school feeding program carried out in schools are dissimilar, there was a significant relationship between feeding program and pupils’ activities in primary schools, Pupils outcomes who are fed at school seemed to perform better than none fed pupils. A number of challenges affected school feeding programs in schools in Kumi district. The study concludes that school feeding can improve on pupils’ activities, performance, and attendance and dropout rates in school. The study recommends that Governments should also get directly involved in boosting the parents’ contribution with regards to school feeding program implementation. Parents should be encouraged by the government to actively engage in feeding their children in school.