Title: Does school feeding and input supply improve enrolment, attendance, and test scores? Evidence from Lideta Sub-city, Addis Ababa

Authors: Fekadu Mulugeta Asfaw

Addresses: Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia

Abstract: This research aimed to assess the impact of the school feeding and school input supply (SFSIS) program on the school performance of primary public schools in Lideta Sub-city, Addis Ababa. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from 134 school children (grades 2 to 8) alongside school rosters and attendance records. Additionally, focus group discussions (FGDs), key informant interviews (KIIs), and direct school observations were conducted. Trend analysis was used to evaluate changes in enrolment before and after the implementation of the SFSIS program. The study found no significant effect of the program on learning achievement and attendance. Enrolment trends showed a general decline over the study period, with contextual factors contributing to the lack of positive impact. The study suggests that the effectiveness of the SFSIS program is contingent on the school context, and investments in such programs should be aligned with the outcomes they aim to achieve.

Keywords: enrolment; school feeding program; academic achievement; attendance rate; school input supply; school uniforms; Lideta Sub-city; focus group discussions; FGDs; key informant interviews; KIIs.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLC.2025.148007

International Journal of Learning and Change, 2025 Vol.17 No.3, pp.297 - 310

Accepted: 10 Feb 2025
Published online: 13 Aug 2025 *

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