Policy Implementation Challenges in the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme in Borno State

This study investigates the challenges associated with implementing the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP) in Borno State, a conflict-affected state in Nigeria's North East geopolitical zone. Introduced as a social protection mechanism, the programme aims to improve school enrolment, reduce hunger, and support local food value chains. However, its rollout in Borno State has been hampered by security challenges, logistical constraints, and administrative inefficiencies. Employing a qualitative research design, the study conducted in-depth interviews with 35 key informants including programme officers, school principals, and community nutrition monitors across three local government areas. Documentary analysis of federal and state implementation reports from 2021 to 2024 supplements the primary data. The study applies the Policy Implementation Gap Theory to explain disparities between policy intentions and ground-level outcomes. Findings identify insecurity-related supply chain disruptions, irregular disbursement of funds to caterers, and poor beneficiary targeting as major implementation bottlenecks. The study recommends the introduction of digital beneficiary verification systems, decentralised procurement frameworks adapted to conflict-affected areas, and enhanced coordination between the Federal Ministry of Education and state actors. The findings contribute to the literature on social policy implementation in fragile states and offer lessons for improving the programme's reach in North East Nigeria. Keywords: school feeding programme, policy implementation, Borno State, social protection, food security.