This study assesses the impact of the School Feeding Program (SFP) on the academic performance of Standard Five learners at Kasangadzi Primary School in Nkhota Kota District, Malawi. The School Feeding Program was introduced as a social protection and educational intervention aimed at improving school attendance, and academic achievement among primary school learners, particularly those from food-insecure households. In many rural areas hunger remains a major barrier to effective learning, as it affects learners’ ability to concentrate participate actively in lessons, and remain in school. Although the SFP has been widely implemented in Malawi there is limited school-level empirical evidence demonstrating its direct influence on learners’ academic performance, especially in rural schools such as Kasangadzi Primary School.
The main objective of the study was to examine the impact of the School Feeding Program on the academic performance of Standard Five learners. Specifically, the study assessed the effects of the program on school attendance and examination performance. A mixed-methods research approach was employed to enhance the reliability and depth of the findings. Data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to teachers and a review of learners’ academic records, including attendance registers and examination results. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to identify trends and patterns in learners’ performance and attendance.
The findings revealed that the School Feeding Program had a positive impact on learners’ academic performance. Learners benefiting from the program showed improved school attendance, concentration during lessons, and increased classroom participation.
It concludes that the School Feeding Program plays a significant role in enhancing the academic performance of Standard Five learners at Kasangadzi Primary School. It recommends strengthening program sustainability.
Loading document preview...
Sign in to join the discussion.