Challenges of the secondary school nutrition programmes in the City of Tshwane, South Africa

Abstract

Ample evidence of undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies among South African children exists. The National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) was introduced to address these problems. The success of nutrition intervention programmes in schools is often compromised by poor organisation, an absence of co-ordination and a lack of proper management systems. This study described the challenges that exist in the management of the Secondary School Nutrition Programme in the City of Tshwane, South Africa. A quantitative exploratory design was used to identify a convenience sample of 98 secondary schools in 3 districts in the City of Tshwane. A structured questionnaire was subsequently used to collect data from school principals, nutrition teacher co-ordinators and School Governing Board members. Responses were rated on a 6-point Likert scale. A total of 252 completed questionnaires were analysed using descriptive statistics. Only one of the three objectives of the NSNP has been fully realised. Nutrition education and food production initiatives have not been satisfactorily implemented. Delays in food delivery by suppliers and inadequate food storage facilities were the most frequently recurring challenges at the schools. Absence of community participation and sub-standard management of capacity building projects were identified as challenges to the successful implementation of the NSNP nutrition intervention programme.

Keywords: Nutrition intervention, school feeding, challenges