Relationship Between School Feeding Programmes and Pupils’ Effectiveness in Learning in Public Primary Schools in Kitui County, Keny

Abstract

School Feeding Programme (SFP) was initiated in Kenya in 1979 and was implemented in 1980 by the government of Kenya in collaboration with World Food Programme (WFP). The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between SFPs and the pupils’ effectiveness in learning in public primary schools in Kitui County. The study assessed enrolment as a factor that indicates effectiveness in learning. The study used Classical Liberal Theory of Equal Opportunity and Maslow’s Theory of Human Motivation and it used Survey Research Design. The target population was 374 primary schools under Feeding Programme in Kitui County. The sample size was 112 schools which was 30% of the target population. These schools were sampled randomly. The researcher also randomly sampled five percent (19) class seven teachers of the target population making a total of 131 respondents. The research instruments used were the questionnaires for head teachers and interviews for class seven teachers’ representatives. To test validity of the research instruments, a piloting study was carried in two schools (10%) of the sample target of 19 class seven teachers. The researcher also discussed the instruments with her supervisors and was advised accordingly. Reliability of the research instruments was calculated using test-retest method. Quantitatively collected data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson r coefficient with the help of SPSS software while qualitatively collected data was analyzed using Focus by Question Analyses Strategy. Analyzed results were presented using tables, graphs and pie-charts. Results show that there was a significant relationship between school feeding program and pupils’ enrolment. Findings from the interviews further confirmed that there was unwavering agreement among class seven teachers’ representatives that school feeding program was positively associated with effectiveness in learning. The study concludes that school feeding program has significant influence on effectiveness in learning among primary school pupils, hence the hypothesis was therefore rejected and the hypothesis was accepted. The study recommends that the Kitui County government ought to liaise with parents and guardians of primary school pupils and join hands to expand the School Feeding Program. They should also include breakfast and supper in their Feeding Programme. In doing this, more pupils will be enrolled and be retained in schools. These findings will be beneficial to the Ministry of Education and school managers while planning on matters pertaining feeding of pupils in primary schools.