Determinants of the Proper Functioning of School Canteens: Case of the Municipality of Athiémé

Abstract

Many learners drop out of school because parents find it difficult to provide them with lunch or because of the long distances between their homes and the schools they attend. The objective of this study is to analyze the determinants of the proper functioning of school canteens in the municipality of Athiémé. The collection of data was based on an important work of exploration made of literature review and interviews. The central model used is similar to multi-criteria analysis, but carried out by consulting the actors for the weightings: this is a property of the Delphi method. The data was collected from 341 actors including 121 households, 84 teachers, 74 members of the CGCSI, 47 schoolchildren and 15 administrative staff from school districts and educational regions. The results reveal the existence of a trilogy on which the proper functioning of canteens depends, namely: learners, cooks and dry rations of food. The involvement and strong participation of parents and members of the management committee are essential for the success of school canteens, all of which allow a substantial improvement in the meals offered to learners. The effectiveness of learners' daily subscriptions and accessibility to water are essential for the success of school canteens.