Benue State University, Makurdi

Homegrown School Feeding Programme and Wealth Creation in Benue State

Naomi Onyeje Doki and Joy Osinimu Hembah Isaiah Iortyom Udaah

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between homegrown school feeding programme and wealth creation in Benue State. The multi-stage sample technique was utilized to select three Local Government Areas in the State based on the three senatorial districts of the State viz; Adikpo in zone A, Gboko LGA in zone B and Otukpo LGA in zone C. Purposive sampling techniques was used to select respondents. The sample of 290 food vendors and 385 farmers was drawn for analysis. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from respondents and Logit regression as well as the paired t-test statistic was employed for hypotheses testing. The study found that income earned and savings as a result of participation had a significant positive relationship with wealth creation. The study also found that there was a significant increase in the assets acquired by food vendors and farmers as a result of their participation in HGSFP. Thirdly, the study revealed the challenges of food vendors as untimely payment, insufficient funds, high cost of transportation, lack of food coolers and serving plates, high cost of food items in the market and insufficient supply of some products by the government. Based on the findings, the study suggested that the government should increase the funding of the HGSFP; government should ensure timely disbursement of funds to food vendors and should be encouraged to always source the products required for the programme within the local community to further boost the positive results already seen.

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