THE SCHOOL FEEDING PROGRAMME STRATEGIES AND LEARNER PARTICIPATION IN PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN MAKUENI COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Objective: This paper sought to determine how school feeding programme strategies influence learner participation in public primary schools in Makueni County, Kenya.    Theoretical Framework: The study was anchored on; Social Learning Theory, Abraham Maslow’s Theory of Human Motivation and theory of Change.   Method: Descriptive and correlation research design were employed. The target population was 875 respondents. Data was analyzed using descriptive, and inferential statistics.   Results and Discussion: The findings were; there is no significant relationship between giving nutritious meals  and learner participation was rejected from learners’ view but was not rejected as per the Headteachers, Teachers and Chairpersons board of governors’ view, there is no significant relationship among dietary teaching  and learner participation was rejected from learners’ view but was not rejected as per the Headteachers, Teachers and Chairpersons board of governors’, there is no significant relationship between regular food supply during school days and learner participation was rejected from learners’ view but was not rejected as per the Headteachers, Teachers and Chairpersons board of governors’ view, there is no significant relationship between small-scale farmers’ engagement and learner participation was not rejected from learners’ view but was rejected as per the Headteachers, Teachers and Chairpersons board of governors’ views.   Research Implications: The study found that learner participation within the study's territory was significantly correlated with the approaches used. The study recommends that Government Ministries of Education, Health and relevant Authorities, Head Teachers, Teachers, Chairpersons -BOM need to provide nutrition meals and dedicate adequate resources to sustain learner participation in Public Primary Schools in Makueni County, Kenya.