A cross-sectional study on the implementation of the home-grown school feeding program in Ebonyi State, Nigeria: Stakeholder perspectives

This study explores the implementation and outcomes of the Home-Grown School Feeding Program (HGSFP) in Ebonyi State, Nigeria, with a focus on its influence on primary school enrollment, dropout rates, academic performance, and local economic engagement between 2017 and 2021. The HGSFP, a key component of Nigeria’s broader educational reform agenda aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), aims to eliminate barriers to education by addressing child malnutrition, a persistent challenge in many rural and underserved communities. Adopting a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from a diverse group of stakeholders, including school heads, teachers, cooks, Local Government Education Officers, and parents of pupils enrolled in public primary schools participating in the program. Findings reveal that the HGSFP has had a substantial positive effect on school participation, with all respondents (100%) reporting increased enrollment and retention rates. The program has also contributed to reducing dropout rates, with 91.9% of participants agreeing it effectively encourages consistent attendance. Nutritional benefits were notable, as 65.4% of pupils were classified as having a healthy weight, suggesting improved dietary intake through the program. Enhanced nutritional status was linked to better concentration, cognitive function, and overall academic performance. Despite these achievements, the study found that the program’s intended economic spill over to local communities remains limited. Food procurement processes primarily favor large-scale suppliers rather than local farmers and small businesses, constraining opportunities for rural economic growth and community empowerment. More so, the findings highlight the multifaceted benefits of school feeding programs in promoting educational access, retention, and learning outcomes. The study recommends stronger integration of local agricultural producers into the supply chain to enhance sustainability, stimulate rural economies, and maximize the social and economic returns of the HGSFP.