The African Union (AU) announced that over 65.4 million children in Nigeria and 50 other African countries benefit from the School Feeding Programme. This information came during a strategic meeting on school feeding, focusing on state-driven implementation, local agricultural value chains, community engagement, and economic development.
The Project Manager for Nutrition and Food Safety at the African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for African Development (AUDA-NEPAD), Ms. Kefilwe Rhoba Moalosi, revealed these figures. The data, compiled in 2019, shows a significant increase from 38.4 million children in 2013. Despite this progress, only 27% of children in sub-Saharan Africa receive a school meal, affecting learning outcomes. Home-grown school feeding programs currently reach 66 million children in 54 African countries, with 84% of the funding coming from domestic budgets.
Moalosi highlighted the importance of school feeding, noting that African leaders recognized its value for human resource development in 2016. The Assembly of Heads of State and Government endorsed the Home-Grown School Feeding program, commemorated annually on March 1.
She urged African leaders to follow Nigeria’s example in transitioning the school feeding program from federal to state government control. This transition has been crucial, especially as recent economic disruptions underscore the need for local solutions. In Africa, where farming is a primary income source, particularly for women, local programs can leverage collective expertise to address children’s nutritional, educational, and economic needs.
Moalosi stated, “Investing in home-grown school feeding programs is not without challenges, but the rewards far outweigh the costs.” She emphasized that such investments are not mere expenditures but crucial for the future well-being of children and communities. She praised Nigeria’s federal government and AUDA-NEPAD for collaborating to implement continental school feeding guidelines at the community level.
Encouraging state-driven implementation can enhance investments and promote local agriculture. School feeding programs significantly address malnutrition, improve health and educational outcomes, and support local farmers by sourcing daily meals locally. Each stakeholder, including governments, food suppliers, agricultural producers, financial institutions, technology providers, and community organizations, contributes unique resources and expertise to the program’s success and sustainability.
Challenges remain in implementing and transitioning to Home-Grown School Feeding (HGSF) programs. Many African countries seek technical assistance in designing, managing, monitoring, and evaluating these programs. Additionally, there is a push to improve meal quality and expand HGSF programs. The AUDA-NEPAD HGSF Guideline document aims to fill these gaps, providing technical guidance to AU member states.
Moalosi concluded, “Together, we can build a brighter future for generations to come. We will only reach our goal of zero hunger if we all walk together– we have to run together towards our goal!” She thanked the Nigerian Federal Government and AUDA-NEPAD for their efforts in enhancing food and nutrition security through school feeding.
This comprehensive approach to school feeding not only tackles immediate nutritional needs but also supports long-term economic and educational development. By leveraging local resources and fostering partnerships, the program aims to create a sustainable and impactful solution for millions of African children.
The benefits of school feeding programs extend beyond immediate health and educational improvements. They also promote economic empowerment by supporting local farmers and producers. This, in turn, helps create jobs and stimulates local economies. By investing in these programs, African nations can ensure a healthier, more educated, and economically stable future for their citizens.
The ongoing efforts to enhance school feeding programs across Africa demonstrate a commitment to the continent’s development. By prioritizing children’s health and education, and supporting local agriculture, these programs pave the way for a more prosperous and self-sufficient Africa. The success of such initiatives relies on continued collaboration and investment from all stakeholders, ensuring that every child has access to nutritious meals and quality education.
As the African Union and its member states continue to support and expand these programs, the vision of zero hunger and improved educational outcomes becomes increasingly attainable. The positive impact on children’s lives and the broader community underscores the importance of these initiatives. Through collective effort and dedication, a brighter future for Africa’s children is within reach.
Source: The Guardian
