Effectiveness of School Meal Provision in Improving Female Students’ Academic Performance in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania

Abstract

This study investigated the effectiveness of school meal provision in improving female students’ academic performance in community secondary schools in Morogoro Municipality. A total of 253 respondents were randomly selected to participate in the study through questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions, and document reviews. Data was analysed through descriptive statistics. The study established regarding the effectiveness of school meals in improving female students’ academic performance and found that the provision of school meals reduced absenteeism, lateness, and dropout rate, while also improving students’ concentration, involvement in classroom tasks and classroom management. The study recommends that effective provision of food should be extended to all schools across the Municipal. School administration should ensure the provision of a balanced diet so that learners can enjoy the food and have better health. Government authorities and other interested groups should also strive to sustain effective food provision in order to raise the level of female students’ participation in learning.