Influence of school feeding programme on academic performance of orphans and vulnerable children: a case of primary schools in Mtito-Andei Division Makueni County

Abstract

Mtito-Andei division is prone to frequent food insecurity owing to seasonal crop failures, food is not easily available and it is less accessible to many. It is difficult for many families to put food on the table more so the marginalized poor. Orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) are most affected hence making it difficult to meet their educational needs (Boler and Kate 2003).

This study has investigated influence of school feeding programme on academic performance of orphans and vulnerable children in Mtito-Andei division with the following objectives; to establish the extent school feeding programme influenced OVC academic performance, to establish the extent nutritional value of food given in school feeding programme had on OVC academic performance and to ascertain the influence of other core services offered to OVC in SFP had on their academic performance.

The study also reviewed literature on influence of school feeding programme on academic performance of orphans and vulnerable children. Empirical literature review discussed the studies and related research undertaken areas related to school feeding programme and OVC academic performance. Research methodology which was used to carry out this study used descriptive design. Target population was 71 head teacher and 620 OVC caregivers. Stratified random sampling was used to obtain the sample which was thirty percent of target population (21 head teachers and 186 caregivers). The data collection instrument used was questionnaire.

After data analysis, presentation and interpretation of the findings, it was concluded that SFP highly influenced academic performance of OVC. It was also found out that other factors like psycho social support, health care, shelter, legal support and behavior change communication offered alongside SFP affect OVC academic performance. As noted by Ahmed (2000), School Feeding Programme has the potential to improve OVC academic performance and this is what this research has found out.