The Contribution and Challenges of School Feeding Program on Students’ Educational Outcomes: The Case of Public Primary Schools in Gulele-Sub-City

Abstract

This study investigates the contribution and challenges of the School Feeding Program (SFP) on educational outcomes in public primary schools in Gulele Sub-City of Addis Ababa City Administration. The educational outcome variables of this study encompass academic performance, enrollment rates, attendance rates, dropout rates, and repetition rates. The study employed a quasi-experimental design with a mixed-method approach. The study utilized both secondary and primary data collection methods, including qualitative data from an open-ended questionnaire at Hamle 19/67 Public Primary School, which was used to triangulate the quantitative findings. The study analyzed data from 14,898 grade 8 students who took the Primary School Leaving Certificate Exam (PSLCE) from 2018/19 to 2021/22 across 18 public primary schools that benefited from the SFP. The analysis of OLS regression showed that students receiving the program had a 9.6% higher likelihood of promotion and scored an average of five points higher compared to non-beneficiaries. Additionally, the program significantly improved enrollment, reduced dropout rates, and decreased repetition rates. The findings suggest revising the budget allocation per student, expanding the SFP to secondary schools, and ensuring the program’s sustainability, with a recommendation for parents and government to further invest in students' education to enhance future outcomes.