Enabling host Government to successfully expand and manage national homegrown school meals in Nepal.

• In Event: Improving early grade literacy through sustainable school meals programmes

Proposal

Since 2009, WFP has been implementing the USDA McGovern-Dole International Food for Education program in three remote provinces of Nepal: Lumbini, Karnali, and Sudurpaschim. These provinces face challenges such as limited access to basic education, increased food insecurity, and limited accessibility through the national school feeding program. Aligned with the Government of Nepal's National School Meal Program, WFP provides a mid-day snack to every pre-primary and primary school student. Additionally, WFP collaborates with partners to implement supplementary interventions that promote literacy, raise community and parental awareness, and enhance the government's capacity to manage a sustainable, locally-sourced school meals program.
The end-line evaluation of the McGovern-Dole Programme (FY17) assesses the achievement of USDA's strategic objectives, “Improved Literacy of School-Aged Children” and “Increased Use of Health and Dietary Practices,” and identifies best practices and lessons learned for future programming. Meaningful participation and collaboration with the Government of Nepal and other stakeholders were ensured throughout the evaluation process, enhancing its quality and effectiveness.
The evaluation used a quasi-experimental design to evaluate the impact of literacy and school feeding interventions with comparison schools. Quantitative surveys and data from interviews and focus groups collected at baseline, midterm, and endline show improved dietary diversity, deworming coverage, and hygiene facilities. Active committee and association involvement increased community engagement, ensuring effective implementation, management, and sustainability.
WFP’s strategic vision over the next five years is to move into a sole technical assistance role and advise the Government of Nepal on its national programme, to ensure quality. Through this presentation, the WFP Nepal team will share insights gained from the evaluation about the importance of participatory planning and execution of school meal programs for successful transition to the local government. This presentation is relevant to the Literacy Special Interest Group and to CIES 2024 participants interested in sustainability of donor-funded interventions.
The evaluation identified key factors which allowed positive outcomes to continue after schools were transitioned to the government’s school feeding programme. In transitioned districts, parents attributed improved teaching aids and regular meals to student performance. The evaluation supports program alignment with the government's strategy to take over the school meal programme. Recommended actions include capacity-building, market linkages for procurement, and improved supply chain governance. Insights from the FY17 cycle led to initiatives for long-term sustainability through government capacity strengthening. Prioritizing these aspects ensured a smooth transition and program continuity.
A Nepal GoN policy analysis carried out in 2021 also supports the FY 17 final evaluation findings and identified a number of national policy instruments, such as sectoral policies and strategies. This will form the basis for a repositioning of the national school feeding programme as a multi-sectoral investment (see figure 1). This analysis highlights that in the longer run, school meal programme should engage additional sectors to mobilize additional funding to address local priorities.

Author

• kanta Kumari khanal, UN World Food Programme