Influence of school feeding programme on participation of pupils in public primary schools in Kilome Division, Makueni County, kenya
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Date
2017-08
Authors
Reuben, Rebbecca Mumbi
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
This study set out to establish the influence of School Feeding Programme (SFP) on
participation of pupils in public primary schools in Kilome Division with a view of
suggesting possible interventions for corrective action of SFP. While various attempts have
been made to support SFP in the ASAL regions, the programs have faced numerous
challenges that adversely affect pupils’ education. The objectives of this study focused on
finding out the influence of the SFP on attendance, enrolment and dropouts of primary school
pupils in Kilome Division of Makueni County. Additionally, the study sought to suggest
possible interventions that would ensure success of SFP in enhancing primary education. The
study could serve as an informative document to educational stakeholders on how lack of
food which is a basic need can lead to wastage in education. The study adopted descriptive
survey design where four public primary schools were selected through simple random
sampling technique. The fifth school was purposively sampled. It had long and uninterrupted
SFP supported by NGOS; hence in-depth knowledge on the subject under study. The
respondents included: Headteachers, Sub County School Feeding Program Officer
(SCSFPO), Area Educational Officer (AEO), teachers and Standard Seven pupils. Census
sampling procedure was used to select one SCSFPO and one AEO. Purposive sampling was
used to select the 5 headteachers of the sampled schools. Simple random sampling was used
to select 35 teachers and 100 Standard Seven pupils. The total sample comprised of 142
respondents. The instruments for data collection were questionnaires for teachers and
Standard Seven pupils, interview schedules for head teachers, SCSFPO and AEO.
Observation schedule was used by the researcher for assessing conditions of the resources
that enhance the SFP. In addition, documentary analysis reviewed class registers for daily
attendance of pupils, school enrolment registers for the school enrolment and headteachers
data sheet for total number of dropouts in the year were used for the study. The qualitative
data was analyzed and presented thematically in line with the objectives of the study. Further,
quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics which included excel computer
programme .The findings were presented in frequency tables and bar graphs. Conclusions
were made based on the findings. The study findings revealed that: -four out of five schools
in the study area did not have the SFP. This meant that only one school had the SFP
supported by Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs). Parents were attracted by the SFP to
take their children to school at an early age thereby minimizing the possibility of late entry.
The government is the main supporter of the SFP after withdrawal of World Food
Programme (WFP), hence; it is facing financial constraints in funding the feeding
programmes. The study further found that Food acts as a strong incentive for attracting pupils
to school in food insecure regions. The study recommended that the government, NGOs and
all SFP stakeholders should ensure proper and regular SFP in all public primary schools in
the ASAL regions. Finally, on suggestions for further study, a research can be carried out on
the impact of the Home Grown School Feeding Programme (HGSFP) on pupil’s participation
in education in the Arid and Semi Arid Lands in Kenya.
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the award of degree of master of education (sociology of education) in the school of education of Kenyatta University. August, 2017