Can Free School Meals Boost Student Attendance In Africa?

By Adebowale Bello. B.Tech Microbiology. Freelance Health Writer.

African school children sitting on an open ground and having a meal. Image credit: Cross International

In many African communities, education is not just a gateway to a better future; it is a vital lifeline that promises to break the cycle of poverty. Yet, for millions of children across the continent, the school day often begins with the pangs of hunger and ends with the distraction of an empty stomach.

Hunger doesn’t just affect their health, it directly impacts their ability to learn and stay focused in class, making it one of the critical barriers to education in Africa.

Universal free school meals have been a topic of debate over the years and for these children, free meals at school could be more than just a meal – they could be a game-changer. Over the years, several African countries have introduced free school meal programs with the aim of improving not only education outcomes but also the overall health of their students. 

These programs are designed to ensure that children receive at least one nutritious meal a day, helping to alleviate the food insecurity that plagues many households. But beyond simply filling bellies, these initiatives have the potential to boost school attendance among children and even combat obesity.

Recent research highlights some significant impacts that these free meals can have on student attendance, health, and overall school experience. The question remains: Can free school meals work in Africa?

A Review of Global Insights

A comprehensive review published in August 2024, looked at six studies involving over 11,000 schools (elementary to high schools) across the United States. This review focused on schools with a high percentage of low-income students that offered free meals to everyone.

The researchers found that when schools offer free meals to all students, participation in school meal programs increases significantly, especially during lunch. This is crucial because when more children consume school meals, they receive the necessary nutrition to stay focused and engaged during classes.

The review also examined if free meals could influence student attendance. While the results were mixed, some studies observed a slight improvement in attendance rates as less students were absent from school.

Another study also discovered that schools offering free meals to all students experienced a small decrease in obesity rates among students, alongside a slight increase in the number of students at a healthy weight.

In some African countries, such as South Africa, Gabon and Namibia where childhood obesity and malnutrition coexist, school meals could address both issues. There's also the added advantage of school children being better behaved and conducting themselves properly.

While these findings are promising, it's important to recognize that research on the impact of school meals on school related outcomes is still in its early stages. The evidence for increased meal participation is relatively solid, but the impact on other outcomes like attendance, obesity rates, academic achievement, etc., requires further study.

Additionally, there are other factors that the studies did not fully explore, such as how free meals might affect overall dietary habits, food waste or the stigma some students might feel about receiving free or discounted lunches.

What This Means for Africa

In countries like Nigeria, Ghana and others where school feeding programs have been implemented, there has been a noticeable rise in school enrollment and attendance rates, particularly among girls and children from the most vulnerable communities.

For example, Nigeria’s National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP) not only increased school attendance but also supported local farmers by sourcing food locally, creating a positive ripple effect on the economy. Similarly, Ghana’s School Feeding Programme (GSFP) has seen success in encouraging more children, especially girls, to stay in school longer, reducing dropout rates significantly.

However, while there are benefits of free school meals, challenges also abound. One of the main issues is funding because implementing and maintaining a school feeding program requires a substantial financial investment. 

Due to budgetary constraints, African countries have struggled to keep the feeding programs running and this has led to delays in meal provision and in some cases, poor quality or insufficient meals being served culminating in an inefficient program as the children suffer the effects.

Corruption and mismanagement represents another roadblock as allegations of fraud and embezzlement questions the entire program's credibility. In Nigeria, for example, there have been reports of inflated contracts, ghost beneficiaries and the diversion of funds meant for the NHGSFP. These issues not only undermine the goals of the program but also erode public trust in such initiatives.

There are also logistical challenges to consider. In many rural areas, the infrastructure needed to support a school feeding program is often lacking. Poor road networks, unreliable supply chains and limited access to fresh produce can make it difficult to deliver consistent, high-quality meals to students. Additionally, there is the issue of food storage and preparation. In regions with limited access to clean water and electricity, ensuring that meals are safe and nutritious can be a daunting task.

The Way Forward

Can free school meals work in Africa to boost student attendance? 

Yes. Rwanda's school feeding program has been nothing short of remarkable. Dropout rates have reduced from 9.4% to 6.4% in just 2 years. 93% of students partake in the feeding program while 87% of schools have implemented and sustained this highly beneficial program.

To combat the challenge of funding, dedicated government funds are kept aside while parents are urged to contribute a small yet affordable amount as a sign of commitment to the program. This has contributed to the recent success of the education system in Rwanda.

Similarly, to maximize the benefits of free school meal programs, other African governments and their partners need to address challenges head-on. This means securing sustainable funding, implementing strong oversight mechanisms to prevent corruption and investing in the infrastructure needed to deliver meals effectively. It also means engaging with local communities to ensure that the food provided is culturally appropriate and meets the nutritional needs of students.

Furthermore, these programs should not be seen as a one-size-fits-all solution. Different regions have different needs and successful programs will need to be tailored to the specific context in which they operate. For example, in areas where obesity is becoming a concern, school meals should focus on providing balanced, low-calorie options. In regions where malnutrition is rampant, the emphasis should be on delivering calorie-dense meals rich in vitamins and minerals.

In conclusion, free school meals have the potential to make a significant impact on the lives of children across Africa. By ensuring that every child has access to at least one nutritious meal a day, we can help boost school attendance, improve academic performance and combat both malnutrition and obesity.

Source: Spill, M. K, Trivedi, R, Thoerig, R. C, Balalian, A. A, Schwartz, M. B, Gundersen, C, Odoms-Young, A, Racine, E. F, Foster, M. J, Davis, J. S, & MacFarlane, A. J. (2024). Universal free school meals and school and student outcomes: A systematic review. JAMA Network Open, 7(8), e2424082. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.24082. Available from here

Related: School Feeding Program in Rwanda Reduces Dropout Rates

Published: September 5, 2024

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