Nutritional Status of Public Primary School Pupils’ in Nigeria: An Appraisal of the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme in Akwa Ibom State

Abstract

The study investigated the effectiveness of the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP) in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, by appraising its perceived nutritional outcomes on primary school pupils. The purpose of the study was to determine the extent to which the nutritional status of the pupils was perceived to have improved during the implementation of the programme. Using a mixed-methods descriptive survey design, the study sampled 278 respondents from three primary schools across the three senatorial districts of state. Data collection was employed through questionnaires and interviews. Chi-square test results showed no significant difference between observed and expected frequencies, indicating that the programme has not achieved its intended effects as perceived by respondents. Specifically, the NHGSFP was perceived not to have improved pupils' nutritional status due to inconsistent meals and gaps in the implementation of the programme. The study concludes that the NHGSFP has made progress in providing school meals to pupils but has not achieved the meaningful improvement in nutritional status that the programme was designed to deliver. Based on the findings, the study recommended that the NHGSFP in Akwa Ibom State should receive increased funding and better resource allocation to address issues of inconsistent financial support and delayed disbursements. It also suggested improving programme implementation and logistics by strengthening the logistical framework and enhancing coordination between government agencies, vendors, and schools.