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

Abstract

Background: 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.
Aim: 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.
Setting: This study was conducted in a rural primary school in Ka Tembe District, Maputo Province, Mozambique.
Methods: 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.
Results: 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.
Conclusion: Banana flour porridge supplementation is operationally feasible and acceptable in a school setting. Findings should be interpreted as preliminary and hypothesis-generating.
Contribution: This pilot provides early insights into the feasibility and acceptability of incorporating banana flour porridge into school feeding programmes.