The evaluation of the School Feeding Programme (SFP) in South Sudan from 2018 to 2023 reveals its relevance and effectiveness in improving student learning outcomes. Despite its successes, funding limitations and infrastructure inadequacies present significant challenges to sustainability. Recommendations for future actions include prioritizing fundraising, adopting a home-grown school feeding approach, and enhancing community participation.
This evaluation, commissioned by the WFP South Sudan Country Office, assesses the School Feeding Programme (SFP) from January 2018 to February 2023. Since its inception in 2011, the SFP aims to provide school-age children with safe and nutritious food while enhancing the resilience of food-insecure smallholders in stable areas. Over the specified period, the program was implemented in over 900 schools with an investment of USD 226 million.
A mixed-methods approach utilizing a cross-sectional comparative study design was applied for summative evaluation, comparing student outcomes in schools receiving SFP assistance against those without it. Findings indicate that the SFP was relevant and coherent, achieving notable success in its objectives. Student learning outcomes exhibited positive effects, particularly in basic literacy and numeracy scores, which were significantly higher in schools participating in the SFP, especially for male students.
Despite these successes, the program faced challenges, including inadequate infrastructural development to cater to the increased student enrollment and severe funding cuts that hindered efficiency and effectiveness. While political commitment was evident, financial support from the government remained limited, jeopardizing the program’s sustainability. The evaluation recognized the home-grown school feeding (HGSF) approach and a multi-sectoral strategy as critical avenues for ensuring long-term viability.
Key recommendations included prioritizing fundraising efforts for school feeding initiatives and generating evidence from the HGSF program to assess its effectiveness in boosting local food systems. Further, the evaluation suggested strengthening monitoring systems, enhancing inclusivity for persons living with disabilities (PLWD), and increasing community participation in program design. It also highlighted the need for investment in the government’s technical capacity to manage school feeding initiatives at various levels effectively.
The evaluation of the School Feeding Programme (SFP) in South Sudan provides insights into efforts to address food insecurity among school-age children. Initiated by the WFP South Sudan Country Office, the program aims to improve access to nutritious food and enhance the learning environment. The program operates within a broader context of humanitarian challenges in South Sudan, impacting both educational outcomes and local food systems. Through this evaluation, the sustainability and effectiveness of school feeding in the region can be assessed, informing future initiatives and policies.
In conclusion, the evaluation of the School Feeding Programme in South Sudan highlights its effectiveness in promoting student learning outcomes and addressing food insecurity. However, limited government financial commitment and infrastructural challenges threaten its sustainability. To ensure the program’s longevity, prioritizing fundraising, enhancing inclusivity, and investing in local capacities are essential. The insights gained from this evaluation may guide future education and nutrition programs in South Sudan.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
