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Ghana over the past 20 years has made progress in reducing poverty and hunger among its population. However, improvements at the national level mask huge inequalities between the north and south of the country, and between rural and urban areas.
Hunger and malnutrition persist primarily in northern Ghana, as well as many rural and peri urban communities across the country
There is High concentration of hunger and malnutrition in the Northern part of Ghana. Chronic malnutrition or stunting among children under
5 year is 19 percent across the country, but prevalence in Northern Region is 33 percent with peaks of 40 percent in some districts
The disparity between the north and the south is in large part due to Ghana’s geography which is characterized by marked climate, agro-ecological and economic differences
Agriculture in Ghana is mostly rain-fed. Farmers in southern Ghana are therefore able to grow more food because they have two rainy seasons. About 45 percent of the population derive their livelihood directly or indirectly from the agricultural sector.
The North experience increasingly erratic rainfall with long dry periods due to climate change. 90 percent of families rely on agricultural livelihoods, and severely limited food production has resulted in chronic poverty, food insecurity and malnutrition.
As per the Ghana Statistical Service, the literacy and education rates in the Jirapa District for individuals aged 11 years and above are as follows: 44.9% are literate, and 55.1% are non-literate. Notably, the proportion of literate males (52.4%) surpasses that of females (38.8%).
Moreover, among individuals aged 3 years and above, 47.9% have never attended school, 39.0% are currently attending, and 13.1% have attended in the past. This data underscores the significant number of primary-school-age children who are not currently enrolled in school and the low literacy rates, especially among young girls. These factors have substantial implications for the community’s future.”
“The impact of poverty on children is extensive and can result in lifelong challenges, particularly when children are deprived of a complete education. Poverty and education are closely intertwined since children living in poverty often abandon their education to contribute to family income, leaving them without the essential literacy and numeracy skills required for future career prospects. Subsequently, their own children may find themselves in a similar predicament years later, with limited income and few choices other than leaving school to work. This perpetuates a cycle of poverty and restricted employment opportunities.
Mwankuri Goziiri and Buboo
The School Feeding Program delivers essential nourishment to the rural schools of Mwankuri Goziiri and Buboo M/A Kindergarten (K1 to K2) and Primary Schools (Primary 1 to Primary 2), which are located within economically disadvantaged communities. These educational institutions cater to a combined student population of 127, encompassing 64 girls and 63 boys, aged between 3 and 11 years.We expect the school enrollment to increase as more parents and children learn about the school meal program.
Mwankuri Goziiri School
Buboo MA School
Procurement of Dinning Furniture, Essentials, and kitchenware
Prior to the implementation of the school meal program, the schools faced a shortage of vital dining resources, including chairs, bowls, plates, spoons, and suitable food storage, resulting in students having to eat on the ground. Additionally, there was a need for water containers and cooking pots, which were not available at the schools. Fortunately, the intervention program successfully secured generous donations to address these shortcomings, ensuring that students now have access to chairs, utensils, proper food and water storage, as well as cooking equipment.
Not enough chairs bowls, plates and storage for food
Gifts from donors purchased chairs, bowls, plates, spoons, and food
Introduced Protein-rich Choices into Children’s Meal Program
Before the school meal program was introduced, students primarily consumed carbohydrates and cornmeal, lacking sufficient protein. Thanks to the intervention program and generous donations, each student now enjoys a daily nutritious meal on-site, featuring protein-rich selections like eggs, fish, chicken, and beans. Meal options vary and may include dishes such as jollof rice with nutritious leafy green vegetables (dawadawa) and fish, or beans, gari with tomato stew, and dawadawa.
School Meals lacked protein sources like eggs, fish, chicken, and beans.
School Meals packed protein sources like eggs, fish, chicken, and beans.
Parents Teachers Association & School Management Committee
The School Feeding Program receives significant involvement from various stakeholders, including parents, teachers, the Assembly Man, Chiefs, the Parents Teachers Association (PTA), and the School Management Committee. Both the Buboo and Goziiri communities actively contribute food items like maize, millet, shea butter, and beans. Furthermore, community women volunteer to take turns cooking for the children, fostering a strong sense of community engagement and shared responsibility.
Community and Parental Engagement –
Driven by parents and the local community, this initiative provides financial support and food contributions to ensure children receive nutritious school meals.
Community and Parental Assistance for School Meals –
Women from the community volunteer prepare meals for the students.
School Management Committee and Parents-Teacher Association –
Responsible for overseeing operations, managing conflicts, and facilitating communication.
Collaboration with Ghana Education Services –
Established a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for program planning, implementation supervision, and provision of additional resources.