The ECOWAS Commission, through its Regional Agency for Agriculture and Food (RAAF), has initiated a school feeding project in the Upper West Region to address malnutrition and low school enrollment while promoting sustainable agriculture practices.
The three-year pilot project is being implemented by the Millennium Child Support Group (MCSG), a Non-governmental Organisation (NGO) in partnership with the Ghana School Feeding Programme with funding from the Spanish Cooperation through the ECOWAS’ RAAF.
Eight schools in three districts of the region -four schools in the Sissala West, three in the Jirapa Municipality and one school in the Nandom Municipality are benefiting from the pilot project.
A statement by MCSG copied the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Wa indicated that the eight selected beneficiary schools, situated in “the most underprivileged communities”, were not previously beneficiaries of the GSFP.
It said the eight schools were selected based on a thorough analysis of enrollment figures, nutritional deficits, and community readiness for the project.
“By ensuring that every student receives a nutritious meal during school hours, the programme is anticipated to improve health outcomes, boost academic performance, and enhance overall community well-being”, the statement said.
It quoted Mr Sozouhain Ayayivi, a spokesperson for RAAF, as saying: “The ECOWAS Commission in collaboration with Spanish Cooperation underscores our commitment to nurturing the potential of our children and laying the foundation for a sustainable future.”
The statement indicated that the project would ensure the children were served with quality and nutritionally balanced meals on each schooling day throughout the project period.
The food would be sourced from the community to promote the local economy through agricultural production.
The statement also quoted Mr Godfrey Ato Parker, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MCSG, as saying: “Our objective is to bridge the gap between policy and tangible impact, ensuring that the benefits of this initiative directly reach the children and families in need.”
The statement said RAAF was not only enhancing the quality of the school meals but, also supporting small-scale farming which would “foster a self-sustaining food system that bolsters the regional economy and promotes environmental sustainability.”
Improved nutrition affected academic performance since enhanced nutrition could lead to better concentration, increased attendance rates, and improved learning outcomes.
“These academic gains, in turn, contribute to long-term socio-economic development within the region”, the statement said.
It added that the success of the pilot project would inform its scale-up across West Africa.
According to the statement, the Parent Associations of the beneficiary schools had expressed support for the project and their commitment to ensure its long-term sustainability.