Implementation of a Banana Flour Porridge Supplementation Initiative in a Mozambican Primary School: A pilot...

Child malnutrition remains a significant public health challenge in Mozambique, particularly in food-insecure rural communities. Locally available and culturally accepted foods may contribute to strengthening school feeding strategies.

This pilot study described the nutritional status of schoolchildren in a Banana Flour Porridge Supplementation Initiative and assessed the feasibility of implementing and monitoring it in a public-school setting.

This study was conducted in a rural primary school in Ka Tembe District, Maputo Province, Mozambique.

A descriptive pilot study was conducted among 65 children aged 6-14 years. All participants received banana flour porridge daily for 30 days. Anthropometric measurements (weight, height, body mass index [BMI]) were collected at baseline, day 15 and day 30. A structured questionnaire assessed dietary habits. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics.

At baseline, most children had adequate nutritional status, with low consumption of dairy and fortified foods, suggesting potential micronutrient gaps. During the 30-day supplementation period, the proportion of children classified as having an adequate BMI increased from 62.5% to 84.4% (aged 6-9 years) and from 57.6% to 87.9% (aged 10-14 years). These are descriptive observations. No adverse effects were reported. The initiative was easily integrated into the school routine and well accepted by students.

Banana flour porridge supplementation is operationally feasible and acceptable in a school setting. Findings should be interpreted as preliminary and hypothesis-generating.

This pilot provides early insights into the feasibility and acceptability of incorporating banana flour porridge into school feeding programmes.