Abstract: This study investigated the key challenges faced by School Feeding Committees in sustaining School Feeding Programs in public primary schools in the Kilimanjaro region. Institutional, Social Capital, and Stakeholder theories provided the theoretical framework. A convergent parallel design was employed, integrating quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data were collected through a cross-sectional survey, while qualitative insights were obtained using a descriptive phenomenological approach. The study targeted 991 schools across Hai, Siha, and Mwanga districts. Using stratified and simple random sampling, 302 participants (teachers, pupils, and SFC members) were selected. Data collection tools included questionnaires, interview guides, focus group discussions. Quantitative data were analyses using descriptive statistics while qualitative data were thematically analyzed. The challenges include insufficient and irregular parental contributions, largely due to widespread poverty among households whose children attend public schools; inadequate government endorsement that results in limited funding and lack of training for School Feeding Committees (SFCs); poor food storage infrastructure which leads to spoilage and waste; and the absence of a clear national policy guiding the implementation and resource mobilization for SFPs. Additionally, budget–expenditure mismatches, weak financial management skills among some committee members, and limited multi-sector engagement further undermine the effective operation of these programs. The study concludes that while the role of the community remains critical, this study affirms that lasting sustainability of school feeding programs requires a shared responsibility model. Government involvement provides the structure, reliability, and scale needed to support local energy and innovation. Only through an integrated approach – where community passion meets institutional strength – can school feeding programs achieve the consistency, quality, and resilience needed to meet the needs of all learners.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to have in-depth information from oral traditions, literature, and myths depicting the emergence of the Wakyiwoso of Kilimanjaro using agricultural and post-mortem ritual features. The study employed a multi-variant methodology. It used a sample of 88 people who volunteered to participate. Criterion sampling was used, whereby the study involved only respondents who were senior by age, ranging from 50 to 100 years old, and had a good reputation in society. Qualitative data were collected. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, focused group discussion, and observation and presented thematically using stories, anecdotes, legends, and myths. The findings depicted that the Wakyiwoso were a collection of many origins, some from neighbouring ethnic groups and others coming from as far as the Horn of Africa, the Coast of East Africa, and Madagascar. The broad spectrum of blending makes this ethnic group have diverse physical features and some postmortem ritual differences. However, the rituals, as part of culture, are so dynamic that no one can decide who the proto-Wakyiwoso were by themselves. More studies using new technology, such as DNA and whole genome sequencing (WGS), are needed to determine the sources of the first Wakyiwoso stock in Kilimanjaro.