ActionAid Nigeria, in collaboration with key government agencies and the Women and Children Health Empowerment Foundation (WACHEF), has launched the Innovative Action for School Feeding Programme in Taraba State to combat malnutrition and improve school retention among children in underserved border communities.
The initiative, unveiled on Thursday in Gembu, the administrative headquarters of Sardauna Local Government Area, is being implemented in the Mayo-Ndaga and Sah-Kaka communities.
Speaking at the launch, ActionAid Deputy Country Director, Hajiya Suwaiba Muhammad Dankabo, emphasized the urgent need for sustainable school feeding solutions in Nigeria, noting that malnutrition continues to hinder the physical and cognitive development of millions of children.
She pointed out that despite efforts by successive governments, poverty remains a significant challenge, with over 133 million Nigerians living below the poverty line.
She stressed that the programme aligns with the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP) under the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP), aimed at institutionalizing school feeding as a long-term intervention.
“Research indicates that a well-implemented school feeding programme can boost enrollment by 30% and reduce absenteeism by 50%,” she stated.
Also speaking, Dr. Princess Aderemi F. Adebowale, National Program Manager of the Renewed Hope NHGSFP, reiterated the importance of sustainable school feeding programmes in increasing school enrollment, enhancing child nutrition, and supporting local farmers.
She highlighted the programme’s role in driving social investment, economic empowerment for women-led cooperatives, and improved local agricultural production.
She further stressed the need for strong partnerships between government agencies, development partners, civil society, and local communities to ensure the long-term success of school feeding initiatives.
On his part, WACHEF Executive Director, Jaafar Ahmad Magaji, revealed that the programme aims to provide nutritious meals to 800 children, enhancing their health, academic performance, and overall development.
“This initiative goes beyond feeding children; it is a commitment to ensuring every child has access to a nutritious meal, fostering their well-being and educational success,” he said.
The initiative is expected to strengthen food security, promote healthy child development, and support local economies in Taraba’s underserved communities.
