The outbreak of the pandemic COVID-19 restricted normal execution of agricultural extension services and movement of agricultural produce to markets. Direct farmer access to extension services was limited due to travel restrictions and banning of public gatherings. The overall objective of the study was to assess the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on agricultural extension and food supply as well as the effectiveness of the suggested coping strategies in Zimbabwe. A structured questionnaire was administered to 100 Agriculture extension officers through phone interviews in adherence to the COVID-19 regulations of minimizing close contact to reduce transmission. Key informant interviews were conducted through phone calls and emails. The study revealed that agricultural extension and food supply was grossly affected by COVID-19. Use of social groups for communication during lockdown helps to reduce spread of COVID-19. Researchers recommend the development of online marketing strategies where people can make orders of various produce and become booked for purchases or deliveries during a specified time range. This will go a long way in minimizing people coming together in large numbers and risk contracting COVID-19.

Poor dietary diversity is one of the leading causes of high rate of malnutrition in rural communities. Biofortification provides a solution for global micronutrient deficiency through consumption of crops rich in essential micronutrients. This study sought to assess trends in production and consumption of selected biofortified crops by rural communities of Zimbabwe. Information was collected from farmers and district food and nutrition security committee through seven ABOUT THE AUTHORS Prosper Bright Muvhuringi is a Lecturer at Africa University. He has vast experience in working as a Principal Livestock Specialist in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement. He is currently the Chairperson of the District Food and Nutrition Security Committee (DFNSC) in implementing Multi-sectoral Community Based Model (MCBM) for reduction of stunting. As part of DFNSC, he implements nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions to improve the livelihoods of the rural populace. He is a holder of Master of Science in Animal Science, Bachelor of Science Honours degree in Agriculture, Bachelor of Social Science Special Honours in Monitoring and Evaluation Studies, International Diploma Animal Feed. Lastly, he executes part time tutoring at Zimbabwe Open University. Ngavaite Chigede is a Lecturer at Great Zimbabwe University in the department of Livestock, Wildlife and Fisheries. He is experienced in animal production aspects. He has worked before as a lecturer in animal production at Chibero College of Agriculture in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement. He is a holder of Master of Science in Animal Science, Bachelor of Science Honours degree in Agriculture (Animal Science). In partnership with AGRITEX, we conduct researches which are intended to improve and monitor production practices and welfare of the general public and inform responsible authorities. The current research is conducted as part of our duties to inform the government and funders of the level of impact the program has had on the intended community and recommend on ways to accelerate the benefits.

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