GHANA SCHOOL FEEDING PROGRAMME AS A SOCIAL PROTECTION POLICY: EXAMINING THE IMPLEMENTATION CHALLENGES IN NANDOM DISTRICT

Abstract

The implementation challenges that exist in the Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP) in Nandom District, is the focus of this study. The GSFP was first piloted in Ghana in 2005 which is used as an incentive for pupil's enrolment, attendance and retention in schools. The main objective of this study is to investigate the implementation challenges of the GSFP in Nandom District. The study has adopted a mixed method approach for triangulation of data with research design as sequential exploratory. Questionnaire and semi-structured interview guide were used to collect data in the study. Out of the research sample 172, 155 respondents which comprised the beneficiary students, caterers, School implementation committee (SIC) and District implementation committee (DIC) members administered the questionnaire and 17 respondents also responded to the interview, they include 1 SNV-Netherlands organization officer, 1 World Food Programme officer, 5 Assembly Members and 10 farmers. Observation was also used in the primary data collection process. It was noted in the study that Nandom District has a universal coverage. That is, all the kindergarten and primary schools are captured on the Ghana School Feeding Programme with good publicity of the programme among the indigenous people. The study revealed that, there is no effective collaboration among the DIC and the SIC members in their operations. Late release of funds by government was also known. The issue of too many powers by the DIC was also unravelled and the inadequate supply of foodstuffs by the buffer house was also mentioned. It is recommended that, the DIC and SIC members should work together harmoniously. Government should increase and release funds early, an independent authority should be institutionalized for the implementation, and increase supply of food stuffs from buffer house.