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The Impact of School Meal Programs on Educational Outcomes in African Schoolchildren: A Systematic Review

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  • Caitlin Wall

    (Department of Food Science, Nutrition and Health Promotion, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA)

  • Terezie Tolar-Peterson

    (Department of Food Science, Nutrition and Health Promotion, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA)

  • Nicole Reeder

    (Department of Food Science, Nutrition and Health Promotion, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA)

  • Marina Roberts

    (Department of Food Science, Nutrition and Health Promotion, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA)

  • Abby Reynolds

    (Department of Food Science, Nutrition and Health Promotion, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA)

  • Gina Rico Mendez

    (Social Science Research Center, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA)

Abstract

Malnutrition and hunger can lower a child’s ability to learn effectively. Many countries in Africa experience high rates of childhood undernutrition, and school feeding programs are a common tool used to address this challenge. A systematic review was conducted to evaluate the effect of school-provided meals on educational outcomes in preschool and primary school children. Specific outcomes of interest in this review included test scores, attendance, and enrollment rates. PubMed and Scopus were used for an electronic search of relevant studies. Studies included in this review were randomized and non-randomized controlled trials, prospective cohort studies, controlled before-after studies, and pre/post-test design studies published in the past 10 years in English in sub-Sahara Africa. Findings from the nine studies included in this review suggest a positive correlation between school feeding programs and educational outcomes. Although mealtime may reduce classroom time, the benefits of providing a meal outweigh the potential loss of learning time because hungry children may not learn as effectively. In conclusion, it is recommended that school meal programs be implemented and expanded. To improve general wellbeing and learning capabilities of children, school meals should be employed starting at a young age. More research on school feeding programs is needed concerning the preschool age group (2–5 years), as there is a limited amount of information in this area.

Suggested Citation

  • Caitlin Wall & Terezie Tolar-Peterson & Nicole Reeder & Marina Roberts & Abby Reynolds & Gina Rico Mendez, 2022. "The Impact of School Meal Programs on Educational Outcomes in African Schoolchildren: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(6), pages 1-13, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:6:p:3666-:d:775110
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Pouirkèta Rita Nikiema, 2019. "The Impact of School Feeding Programmes on Educational Outcomes: Evidence from Burkina Faso," Journal of African Economies, Centre for the Study of African Economies, vol. 28(3), pages 323-341.
    2. Nia King & Cate Dewey & David Borish, 2015. "Determinants of Primary School Non-Enrollment and Absenteeism: Results from a Retrospective, Convergent Mixed Methods, Cohort Study in Rural Western Kenya," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 10(9), pages 1-17, September.
    3. Théophile T Azomahou & Abdoulaye Diagne & Fatoumata L Diallo, 2019. "Non-compliance and Non-response in Randomised School Meals Experiment: Evidence from Rural Senegal," Journal of African Economies, Centre for the Study of African Economies, vol. 28(5), pages 533-557.
    4. Hochfeld, Tessa & Graham, Lauren & Patel, Leila & Moodley, Jacqueline & Ross, Eleanor, 2016. "Does school breakfast make a difference? An evaluation of an in-school breakfast programme in South Africa," International Journal of Educational Development, Elsevier, vol. 51(C), pages 1-9.
    5. Harold Alderman & Daniel O. Gilligan & Kim Lehrer, 2012. "The Impact of Food for Education Programs on School Participation in Northern Uganda," Economic Development and Cultural Change, University of Chicago Press, vol. 61(1), pages 187-218.
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    Cited by:

    1. Bennell, Paul, 2023. "The attainment of gender education equality: A preliminary assessment of country performance in sub-Saharan Africa," International Journal of Educational Development, Elsevier, vol. 98(C).

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