- Case Study
Understanding the impact of school milk feeding programs in Kenya
Wairimu Muthike
- November 7, 2023
- 1:11 pm
SECTOR
PROJECT TYPE
DOI
Location
BEHAVIORAL THEME
OVERVIEW
This project studies school milk feeding programs in Kenya with a view to understanding the impact and community motivation towards them. It considers the set of challenges well documented in literature, as a motivator, and the subsequent value of using a behavioral science approach to examine the realized impacts of county financed school feeding programs and to better understand the barriers and levers of such programs. This research contributes valuable insights to guide the implementation and optimization of school milk feeding programs in Kenya and potentially in other regions as well.
THEMATIC AREAS
In this study, a mixed methods approach was employed to thoroughly examine existing school milk feeding programs. The research encompassed a comprehensive investigation into the key actors involved, influential factors, and grassroots-level challenges. Moreover, the study assessed the reported impact and benefits of these programs from primary caregivers’ perspectives. Additionally, the levels of motivation among key stakeholders in the entire facilitation process were examined to
gauge the feasibility of implementing a community-led milk feeding program.
Our findings indicate that the success of a county-financed milk feeding program largely hinges on two crucial factors: (i) the motivation and ownership exhibited by ECDE heads and teachers, and (ii) the establishment of a stable and consistent distribution network of transporters. These factors emerged as pivotal determinants in ensuring the program’s effectiveness and sustainability.
