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Impact of Poor Nutrition on the Academic Performance of Grade Seven learners: A Case of Zimbabwe

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  • Kudzai Chinyoka

Abstract

This paper examined the impact of poor nutrition on the academic performance of grade seven learners at two primary schools in Chivi, Zimbabwe. Its main objective is to identify mitigation policies and measures designed to reduce negative effects of poor nutrition on children¡¯s academic performance. Malnutrition remains one of the major obstacles to human well-being affecting all areas of a child's growth and development, including performance in the classroom. The study is grounded in Maslow¡¯s motivational and needs theory. In this study, a qualitative phenomenological case study design was used with focus group discussions, interviews and observations as data collection instruments to twelve (12) grade seven learners, three (3) headmasters and four (4) teachers, purposively sampled in Masvingo province. Findings revealed that malnutrition affected physical growth, cognitive development and it consequently impacts on academic performance, health and survival of learners. Malnutrition also deepens poverty due to increased health care costs. The study also established that hungry and undernourished grade seven learners were not able to take on physical work and sporting activities seriously, are less able to attend school and if they do, are less able to concentrate and learn. On the way forward, there is need to introduce nutritional gardens at community, school and at family levels. Addressing the root causes of malnutrition (such as food insecurity, poverty, population growth and socio-economic instability) is imperative for achieving sustained reductions in malnutrition.?

Suggested Citation

  • Kudzai Chinyoka, 2014. "Impact of Poor Nutrition on the Academic Performance of Grade Seven learners: A Case of Zimbabwe," International Journal of Learning and Development, Macrothink Institute, vol. 4(3), pages 73-84, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:mth:ijld88:v:4:y:2014:i:3:p:73-84
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ecker, Olivier & Breisinger, Clemens, 2012. "The food security system: A new conceptual framework," IFPRI discussion papers 1166, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    2. Orazem, Peter & Glewwe, Paul & Patrinos, Harry, 2007. "The Benefits and Costs of Alternative Strategies to Improve Educational Outcomes," Staff General Research Papers Archive 12853, Iowa State University, Department of Economics.
    3. Stuart Cameron, 2012. "Education, Urban Poverty and Migration: Evidence from Bangladesh and Vietnam," Papers inwopa679, Innocenti Working Papers.
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    Cited by:

    1. Tapfuiwa J Katsinde, 2024. "The Effects of Economic Instability on Secondary School Students in Zimbabwe: A Case of a Province," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 8(7), pages 204-226, July.
    2. Elias M. A. Militao & Elsa M. Salvador & Olalekan A. Uthman & Stig Vinberg & Gloria Macassa, 2022. "Food Insecurity and Health Outcomes Other than Malnutrition in Southern Africa: A Descriptive Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(9), pages 1-18, April.
    3. Alice P. Okeyo & Eunice Seekoe & Anniza de Villiers & Mieke Faber & Johanna H. Nel & Nelia P. Steyn, 2020. "The Food and Nutrition Environment at Secondary Schools in the Eastern Cape, South Africa as Reported by Learners," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-18, June.
    4. Ahmmed, Sakil & Uddin, Mahtab, 2022. "Exploring the disparities in learning outcomes among the primary school students of Bangladesh," International Journal of Educational Development, Elsevier, vol. 93(C).

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    JEL classification:

    • R00 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General - - - General
    • Z0 - Other Special Topics - - General

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