The evaluation of the School Feeding Programme in South Sudan indicates significant improvements in literacy and numeracy outcomes among students, particularly boys, in intervention schools. Despite commendable achievements, funding shortages and inadequate infrastructure present challenges. Recommendations focus on enhancing community involvement, improving monitoring systems, and ensuring better governmental financial support to ensure sustainability and effectiveness.
The evaluation of the School Feeding Programme (SFP) in South Sudan, commissioned by the WFP South Sudan Country Office, spanned from January 2018 to February 2023. Officially operational since 2011, the SFP aims to provide safe and nutritious meals to school-age children and to bolster the livelihoods of food-insecure farmers in non-conflict areas. With a budget of USD 226 million, the SFP served over 900 schools during the evaluation period.
Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the evaluation featured a cross-sectional comparative study design. The evaluation compared academic outcomes between students from schools benefiting from SFP assistance and those who did not receive such assistance. The findings reaffirmed that SFP was not only relevant and coherent but also effective in enhancing the learning outcomes of students in participating schools.
Among the key findings, basic literacy and numeracy scores were notably higher in schools receiving SFP assistance, particularly among boys. While the programme had significant positive aspects, it faced challenges due to inadequate infrastructure to accommodate the increasing number of students. Furthermore, funding limitations hampered the efficiency and effectiveness of the programme amid rising humanitarian needs.
The evaluation highlighted the political commitment to SFP, indicating substantial national support and ownership. However, it pointed out the government’s limited financial commitment as a risk factor for the programme’s sustainability. The evaluation suggested that implementing a home-grown school feeding (HGSF) approach could enhance sustainability by utilizing local produce alongside a multi-sectoral strategy for school infrastructure development.
Key recommendations from the evaluation include prioritizing fundraising initiatives due to evidence of severe food shortages and improved learning outcomes in supported schools. Additionally, gathering evidence on the effectiveness of the HGSF programme, strengthening program monitoring systems, and fostering community participation in the design and implementation processes were emphasized. It is also essential to enhance government technical capacity for effective logistical management of school feeding initiatives.
The School Feeding Programme (SFP) in South Sudan, initiated by the World Food Programme (WFP), serves as a vital intervention designed to ensure that school-age children receive adequate nutrition while supporting local agricultural practices. Since its launch in 2011, the SFP has gained significant traction, with increasing participation across numerous schools in the country. This evaluation, which takes into account the period from 2018 to 2023, seeks to assess the programme’s effectiveness and impact amid the prevailing socio-economic challenges.
In conclusion, the evaluation of the School Feeding Programme in South Sudan demonstrates that while the programme is effectively enhancing educational outcomes and addressing food insecurity among children, it faces considerable challenges regarding funding and infrastructure. The commitment from both governmental and community stakeholders is essential for ensuring the programme’s sustainability. Enhanced investments in local food systems, infrastructure, and technical capacities are critical steps moving forward.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
