The evaluation of the School Feeding Programme in South Sudan, covering 2018 to 2023, highlights its effectiveness in improving educational outcomes and addressing food insecurity. Despite its relevance, challenges such as funding cuts and inadequate infrastructure were identified. The report recommends prioritizing fundraising and community engagement to enhance sustainability and impact.
An evaluation has been conducted on the School Feeding Programme (SFP) in South Sudan from January 2018 to February 2023, commissioned by the World Food Programme (WFP) South Sudan Country Office. This initiative, which began in 2011, aims to provide school-age children with safe and nutritious food and bolster the resilience of food-insecure households in non-conflict areas. From 2018 to 2023, the program operated in over 900 schools with a financial commitment of USD 226 million.
The evaluation employed a summative design utilizing mixed methods and a comparative analysis, examining students’ outcomes in schools receiving SFP assistance versus those without. The findings indicated that the program was highly relevant and coherent, achieving its objectives effectively while positively influencing students’ learning results, particularly in literacy and numeracy, where scores were notably higher in intervention schools. However, the SFP faced limitations in efficiency due to severe funding cuts amidst increasing humanitarian needs.
Political commitment to the program was evident, demonstrating national ownership. Nonetheless, the limited financial support from the Government poses a significant risk to the program’s sustainability. The evaluation also emphasized the potential of the home-grown school feeding (HGSF) approach—utilizing locally sourced produce—and a multi-sectoral approach, including infrastructure development, as crucial to enduring success.
To enhance the SFP, several recommendations have been proposed:
1. Prioritize fundraising for school feeding initiatives, addressing severe food deprivation and improving learning outcomes.
2. Conduct research on the HGSF program to ascertain its effectiveness in strengthening local food systems.
3. Strengthen the existing monitoring systems of the program.
4. Foster inclusivity for persons living with disabilities in future endeavors.
5. Increase community engagement in the program’s design and implementation.
6. Invest in governmental technical capacities for efficient logistical management of school feeding initiatives at all levels.
The School Feeding Programme (SFP) in South Sudan was initiated by the WFP in 2011 to combat food insecurity and support educational access for children. The program has been instrumental in providing nutritional assistance to school-aged children and enhancing community resilience, particularly in areas not affected by conflict. Between 2018 and 2023, the SFP has significantly contributed to the schooling system while facing funding and infrastructural challenges amid escalating humanitarian needs.
In summary, the evaluation of the School Feeding Programme in South Sudan underscores its vital role in enhancing educational outcomes and addressing food insecurity among vulnerable populations. While the program demonstrates effectiveness and political support, challenges such as inadequate funding and infrastructure limit its full potential. The recommendations provided aim to leverage the program’s strengths and ensure its sustainability for the future well-being of children in South Sudan.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
