HUNGER AND MALNUTRITION: A THREAT TO PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS’ LEARNING ABILITY IN IKENNE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, OGUN STATE
Purpose: This study looked at how malnutrition and hunger affect the learning ability of primary school pupils in Ogun State's Ikenne Local Government Area. As malnutrition and hunger continue to be a barrier to human well-being, they have a negative impact on various aspects of a child's growth and development, including their performance in the classroom hence, the purpose for the study. Method: In this study, a quantitative phenomenological case study design was used with focus group discussions, interview and observations as data collection instruments. One hundred and four (104) primary school learners, ten (10) teachers both male and female purposively sampled in the five school in the Local Government Area. The study is grounded in Maslow’s motivational and needs theory. Findings: The findings showed that hunger and malnutrition had an impact on learners' physical and cognitive development, which in turn had an impact on their ability to learn, their health, and their survival. Poverty is also made worse by hunger and malnutrition since it raises the expense of medical care. The study also found that primary school students who are hungry or undernourished find it difficult to focus and learn, are less likely to attend school, and are less able to participate in physical activity and sports. Conclusion: Nutritional gardens should be introduced at schools, and homes. To effectively reduce hunger and malnutrition, it is essential to address their underlying causes, including socioeconomic instability, food insecurity, poverty, and population increase.
Hunger, Malnutrition, Primary School Pupils, Learning Ability