Nigeria Home Grown School Feeding Strategic Plan 2016-2020.

The overarching intent of this Nigeria Home Grown School Feeding Strategic Plan 2016-2020 is to articulate the strategy and vision of the Federal Government of Nigeria for a countrywide universal HGSF programme. The specific objectives of this document are to: a) State the key objectives of the programme; b) Map out a strategic roadmap for Federal-State Government engagement; c) Lay out a framework for programme development and governance. This Strategy Document has been developed on behalf of the Federal Government and applies to all government led school feeding programmes implemented in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The scope of this document is limited to providing a strategic framework for school feeding implementation.
The Nigerian HGSF programme aims to deliver a government-led, cost-effective school feeding programme with a specific focus on the development of smallholder farmers and local procurement to spur growth in the local economy. Whilst focussed on providing food to children, this food based safety net programme will indirectly also help improve food security in the beneficiary households. The intended benefits of HGSF will accrue to a wide range of stakeholders.
The main objectives of the HGSF programme are as follows: 1 School Enrolment and Completion: The programme aims to improve the enrolment of primary school children in Nigeria and reduce the current dropout rates from primary school which is estimated at 30%. 2. Child Nutrition and Health: The programme aims to address the poor nutrition and health status of many children and thereby also improve learning outcomes. 3 Local Agricultural Production: Linking the programme to local agricultural production has direct economic benefits and can potentially benefit the entire community as well as the children. The programme aims to stimulate local agricultural production and boost the income of farmers by creating a viable and ready market via the school feeding programme. 4 Creating Jobs and Improving Family and State Economy: The programme aims to create jobs along the value chain and provides a multiplier effect for economic growth and development.