The evaluation of the School Feeding Programme in South Sudan (2018-2023) revealed its positive impact on children’s educational outcomes despite challenges in funding and infrastructure. Recommendations include prioritizing fundraising, enhancing local food systems, and increasing community engagement to ensure sustainability and effectiveness.
The Evaluation of the School Feeding Programme (SFP) in South Sudan, commissioned by the World Food Programme (WFP) Country Office, covers the period from January 2018 to February 2023. The SFP, implemented since 2011, focuses on providing safe and nutritious food to school-aged children while supporting food insecure smallholders in non-conflict zones. Over these five years, the program supported more than 900 schools with a budget allocation of USD 226 million.
The evaluation utilized mixed methods through a cross-sectional comparative study design, employing a with/without analysis to assess the effects of the SFP. By comparing outcomes of students from schools benefiting from the SFP against those from schools without assistance, the evaluation aimed to derive clear conclusions regarding the program’s impact on learning and school attendance.
Findings indicate that the program was notably relevant and coherent, effectively achieving its objectives. It positively impacted students’ learning outcomes, with basic literacy and numeracy scores markedly higher in intervention schools, particularly among boys. However, the program lacked necessary infrastructure development to accommodate the rising enrollment at these schools, which constrained its overall efficiency and effectiveness amid severe funding cuts.
Political commitment was observed towards the SFP, signifying buy-in and national ownership. Nevertheless, the program’s sustainability is threatened by limited financial contributions from the Government. The evaluation advocates for a home-grown school feeding (HGSF) approach, suggesting that locally sourced produce could enhance sustainability, complemented by a multi-sectoral approach to support infrastructural needs.
Key recommendations include the prioritization of fundraising to address severe food deprivation identified in households, generating evidence from the HGSF program to enhance local food systems, and improving the overall program monitoring system. Additionally, there is a call for inclusive strategies for persons living with disabilities and increased community participation in program design and execution. Investment in governmental technical capacity for logistical management of school feeding at both national and state levels is critical for the future of the SFP.
The School Feeding Programme in South Sudan has been a significant initiative aimed at ensuring that children have access to nutritious food while fostering resilience among vulnerable communities. The program not only addresses immediate nutritional needs but also contributes to educational outcomes, making it vital for the development of human capital in the country. The evaluation conducted from 2018 to 2023 seeks to analyze its effectiveness, relevance, and challenges to determine the paths forward for sustainable implementation.
In summary, the evaluation of the School Feeding Programme in South Sudan highlights its crucial role in improving educational outcomes and addressing food insecurity. Despite significant achievements, there remain challenges concerning funding sustainability and infrastructure development. Key recommendations emphasize enhancing fundraising efforts, improving community involvement, and investing in local procurement strategies to ensure the program’s longevity and efficacy in benefiting the most vulnerable populations, particularly school-aged children.
Original Source: reliefweb.int