2015年-世界发展银行全球_Nigeria_School_Feeding___SABER_Country_Report_2015_20页_938kb

Summary of Nigeria's School Feeding Policies and Institutions (SABER Country Report, 2015)

Core Content

Nigeria's school feeding policies are evaluated as part of the SABER initiative, which uses evidence-based global standards to reform education systems. School feeding is recognized as a key component of an effective education system, as it directly impacts children's health, nutrition, and ability to learn. The report outlines five key policy goals that support the development and implementation of school feeding programs.

Main Policy Goals and Key Findings

1. Policy Frameworks

• Status: Advanced
• Key Points:
  • School feeding is included in the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) and the national policy on school health.
  • The policy framework is aligned with national development strategies and includes multiple sectors such as agriculture, health, and local government.
  • There is a published national policy on school feeding and other relevant documents.
  • However, the policy framework is still emerging in terms of clearly defining objectives and sectoral responsibilities in the PRSP.

2. Financial Capacity

• Status: Emerging
• Key Points:
  • School feeding is included in the national planning process but lacks a dedicated national budget line.
  • Only state budget lines exist, and the program is mainly functional in Osun state, which has 100% government funding.
  • The budgeted cost per child per year is approximately 9,750 naira.
  • There is a need for a stable and independent funding source to ensure long-term sustainability and national ownership.

3. Institutional Capacity and Coordination

• Status: Established
• Key Points:
  • A multisectoral steering committee from at least three sectors coordinates the implementation of school feeding.
  • There is a fully staffed national school feeding unit with 10 dedicated and trained staff members.
  • Formal coordination mechanisms exist between cross-government stakeholders, including the development of national policy and guidelines, and the use of M&E tools.
  • However, there is no pre- or in-service training program for staff at all levels, and school-level accountability structures are limited.

4. Design and Implementation

• Status: Advanced
• Key Points:
  • A national M&E plan is integrated into the country's monitoring system, helping to refine and update programs.
  • National standards for food modalities, the food basket, and procurement and logistics arrangements have been developed.
  • The program is designed to be needs-based and cost-effective, with a focus on addressing micronutrient deficiencies and supporting local economies.
  • There is a balance between international, national, and local procurement to ensure food quality and supply stability.

5. Community Roles - Reaching Beyond Schools

• Status: Advanced
• Key Points:
  • School feeding management committees include teachers, parents, and community members.
  • These committees allow communities to hold the program accountable at national, regional, and school levels.
  • Community involvement is essential for ensuring the program's success and transition from donor assistance to national ownership.

Key Information

• Education System: Nigeria follows the 6-3-3-4 system, with basic education covering the first nine years.
• Education Challenges:
  • Low learning outcomes, especially in the north, with over two-thirds of students illiterate after primary school.
  • High dropout and repetition rates, particularly in primary and secondary education.
  • Inadequate teacher qualifications and training.
• Poverty and Health:
  • Poverty remains a major challenge, with over 80% of the population living on less than $2 a day.
  • Malnutrition and communicable diseases are significant health issues, with 7.3% of the population undernourished in 2012.
• School Feeding Impact:
  • School feeding programs can increase enrollment and attendance, especially for girls.
  • They improve cognitive development and educational success when combined with quality education.
  • They also provide a stable market for local farmers and serve as a safety net during crises.
• Recommendations:
  • Strengthen financial capacity by establishing a national budget line.
  • Implement pre- and in-service training programs for all levels of staff.
  • Expand community involvement and accountability structures.
  • Ensure the program is well-aligned with national poverty reduction strategies and has clear policy objectives.

Conclusion

The SABER-School Feeding report highlights the importance of school feeding in improving education outcomes and addressing poverty and malnutrition in Nigeria. While the country has an established institutional framework and a clear policy foundation, there are still gaps in financial sustainability and community engagement that need to be addressed to ensure the long-term success of the program.