The Editor Zambia
As Zambia’s election campaign gathers momentum, some opposition political leaders are becoming desperate and making increasingly ambitious promises in a bid to win public support.
Among those attracting significant attention are outrageous promises by Tonse Alliance presidential candidate Brian Mundubile, especially during his recent rallies across the country, particularly in Eastern Province, where agriculture remains the backbone of the local economy. 
During his tour of the province, Mundubile presented an ambitious and unatenable vision of agricultural transformation that many gullible supporters may welcome with enthusiasm.
Mundubile seems to have the instant panacea for all agriculture ills in the country that would make Zambia heaven on earth.
For example, he has pledged without bothering to explain how to ensure timely purchases of key crops such as maize, cotton, tobacco, and groundnuts, while also promising increased access to farming inputs and financial support for farmers! He has made these promises with confidence that would make one conclude his background is training in agriculture.
To many struggling farmers, especially in rural areas, such assurances sound appealing despite being evidently too good to be true.
The prospect of guaranteed markets, prompt payments, and easier access to financing offers hope to communities that depend heavily on agriculture for their livelihoods.
However, critics have rightly raised serious questions about the practicality of these promises, which are not just far-fetched but untenable.
They argue that while the objectives may be attractive, the candidate has provided little detail on how such commitments would be financed and implemented.
Some observers contend that the pledges are so sweeping that they stretch the boundaries of political realism in any society.
Agricultural experts note that improving farmer incomes is a complex undertaking that cannot be achieved overnight but takes time of planning for effective impementation.
Factors such as fluctuating commodity prices, climate change, inadequate storage facilities, transport costs, and limited market access continue to affect farming communities across Zambia.
Addressing these challenges requires sustained investment, long-term planning, and effective coordination between government institutions and private sector stakeholders.
Observers have also pointed out that the UPND administration of President Hakainde Hichilema has already practically undertaken several initiatives aimed at strengthening the agricultural sector.
These include expanded irrigation projects, increased investment in farming infrastructure, and reforms designed to improve food security and boost agricultural productivity.
Supporters of the government argue that any discussion about transforming agriculture should acknowledge progress already made in recent years. Mundubile is not acknowledging this fact!
For critics of the Tonse Alliance, Mundubile’s promises raise more questions than answers. They argue that portraying agricultural transformation as something that can rapidly make farming communities prosperous risks creating unrealistic expectations.
While pledges to purchase all agricultural products on time and provide extensive financial support may resonate with voters, sceptics contend that such commitments require resources and systems that have not been clearly explained by this agro magician, Mundubile.
Political analysts note that election seasons often bring a flood of grand promises from competing parties. They caution voters to look beyond campaign rhetoric and carefully examine not only what is being promised but also whether those promises are financially viable and supported by credible implementation plans.
As the campaign season continues, debate is expected to focus increasingly on agriculture, job creation, economic growth, and rural development.
Ultimately, voters will be tasked with assessing competing visions for the country’s future and determining which proposals offer realistic and sustainable solutions to Zambia’s development challenges.
That is choosing between what is visible from the achievements of the UPND government in transforming agriculture and the grand promises from the high priest of liars one Brian Mundubile.
For many citizens in Eastern Province and beyond, the central question remains simple: not whether agricultural transformation is desirable, but whether the promises being made today can realistically be delivered tomorrow or are practical.
