Assessment of the implementation of national school feeding guideline in Tanzania: a case of public primary schools located in Kinondoni municipality, Dar es salaam

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Globally, lack of enough food and an unbalanced diet are recognized causes of malnutrition. The situation is more pronounced among children and the most affected segment of the population is the children attending schools whether using boarding or day system. Globally, 388 million children benefit from school feeding programs. These programs have been shown to combat child hunger and support children’s overall well being. In 2021 Tanzania launched its first National school feeding guideline with aim of providing standard guidance for schools, communities, and the local government to develop, coordinate, and oversee school feeding programs. Broad Objective: To assess the implementation of National school feeding guideline in Public Primary schools in Kinondoni Municipality. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted using a phenomenological study design and qualitative data collection methodologies. The study was conducted in 6 schools, consisting of 6 teachers, 6 students, 6 heads of schools, and 6 school feeding committees, making a total of 24 participants. Using an interview guide, a purposive sample technique was employed to choose study participants for interviews. The acquired data and findings were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach, with themes and sub-themes employed to organize them. Results: Four main themes emerged: Minimal student participation regarding the implementation of national school feeding guideline with two sub-themes: non-existent channels for feedback and insufficient engagement of students’ interest., Limited awareness of the guideline by teachers and the school feeding committee with two sub themes:Inadequate training and knowledge of the guideline and insufficient motivation regarding the guideline adherence of participants., Insufficient support and resources regarding the implementation of the guidelines faced by the school feeding committee with two sub-themes:financial constraints and inadequate infrastructure and equipment , and existing factors affecting the implementation of the guideline which included Political factor, Social factor, Economic factor and Cultural factor. Conclusion: Generally, the findings reveal lack of understanding, awareness and adherence to the guidelines among school community which teachers, students and school feeding committee,. However, gaps in formal training and resource limitations present significant challenges to consistent guideline adherence.