Achieving free compulsory universal basic education through school feeding programme: Evidence from a deprived rural community in northern Ghana

This study sought to examine the extent of contribution of school feeding programmes towards the achievement of the Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education (FCUBE) policy in countries. Based on a purposive sampling of a deprived rural community in northern Ghana, the study utilised the concurrent mixed method design relying mainly on documentary analysis, questionnaires and interviews as data sources. A sample of 377 participants made up of teachers and parents were drawn for the research. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis. The main finding of the study was that the programme had a positive influence on school enrolment and retention which are key indicators of the achievement of the FCUBE policy. Recommendations proffered pointed to the need to extend the SFP to other deprived areas, and to give the programme in Ghana a constitutional backing among others.