Authors
Jevaise Aballo, Porbilla Ofosu-Apea, Catherine Adu-Asare, Olivia Adzoa Mawunyo Timpo, Hikmatu Abdulai, Cristina Alvarez Sanchez, Melissa Vargas, Annette Imohe, Cynthia Obbu, Gifty Ampah, Josephine Asante, Mutala Abdulai, Veronica Quartey, Theresa Oppong Mensah, Patrick Banafo, Bright Yammaha Amoore, Victor Mogre
Published in
Journal of human nutrition and dietetics : the official journal of the British Dietetic Association. Volume 39. Issue 5. Pages e70366.
Abstract
Malnutrition among school-age children and adolescents in Ghana is driven by poor diet quality and weakly regulated school food environments (SFEs). School-based Food and Nutrition Education (SFNE) is a key strategy, but its effectiveness depends on coordinated capacity across sectors. This study assessed the enabling factors, and priority actions for institutionalising SFNE.
The FAO SFNE capacity needs assessment tool was used, with a multi-phase qualitative study design. Document review and stakeholder mapping were conducted, followed by a two-day consultative workshop. Capacities were assessed across system levels and prioritised through ranking.
Ghana has supportive SNFE policies; however, implementation is fragmented, lacks unified legal framework, and constrained by inadequate data. Integration into curricula, teacher training, and SFEs is weak, with reliance on short-term funding. Priority actions included strengthening coordination, developing standards; improving data systems, aligning curricula, enhancing SFEs, and sustainable financing.
Institutionalising SFNE will ensure learners receive high-quality equitable nutrition education and access to supportive school food environment.
Ghana is well-positioned to institutionalise SFNE and may serve as a model for low- and middle-income countries.
PMID:
42839874
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 07 Oct 2026.
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