Ze Lekòl: Contextual Factors Affecting Use of Eggs in School Feeding in Cap-Haïtien, Haiti

Abstract

ObjectivesEggs are a rich source of bioavailable nutrients for children, yet have been underutilized in school feeding programs in low- and middle-income countries. The purpose of the Ze Lekòl Project was to identify contextual facilitators, barriers, and resources needed at both the school and food system levels to link local egg value chains to school feeding programs in Cap-Haïtien, Haiti. MethodsKey stakeholder interviews (n = 23) were conducted with school principals, representatives from the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Agriculture, domestic egg producers, and egg vendors. Focus groups (n = 4) were conducted with school staff and child caregivers. Interviews and focus groups were transcribed into Haitian Creole or French, and translated into English. Using inductive and deductive coding, interviews were analyzed for factors that facilitate or hinder the potential for incorporating locally produced eggs in school feeding programs. The approach to data collection and analysis was informed by the EPIS Implementation Science framework. ResultsSchool administrators and staff described facilitators (i.e., desire for nutritious foods, acceptability of eggs), barriers (i.e., preparation methods, national school feeding program structure) and potential benefits (i.e., improved student focus, reduced caregiver burden) for including eggs in school feeding programs. Local egg producers and vendors expressed facilitators (bulk purchases, customer preference for domestic eggs) and barriers (local availability of supplies, veterinary care, political disruption) to producing and selling locally produced eggs in Cap-Haïtien. ConclusionsLocally produced eggs are an acceptable food to include in school feeding programs in Cap-Haïtien, Haiti. However, lack of sufficient infrastructure for domestic egg production prevents the ability to consistently provide the quantity of eggs needed for such programs without additional investments in domestic agriculture and school feeding programs. Findings from this study will inform interventions aimed at linking local agriculture to school feeding programs in low and middle-income countries. Funding SourcesThe Washington University in St. Louis Institute for Public Health–Center for Dissemination and Implementation funded this study.