• ‘Back to the Farm’ is an agriculture-based program designed to educate local Liberian farmers about best farming practices.
• The new educational program aims to strengthen Firestone Liberia’s relationship with local farmers by providing technical support.
• In alignment with the Bridgestone E8 Commitment, the new educational program speaks directly to the value ‘Empowerment.’

Firestone Liberia, through the Voice of Firestone, 89.5 FM, has introduced a new educational farming program entitled ‘Back to the Farm.’ The radio program focuses on best agricultural practices and serves as a new farming information resource for local farmers inside and outside the concession. The inaugural broadcast of ‘Back to the Farm’ was August 2, 2022.

The program broadcasts every Tuesday at 11 a.m. and is repeated at 6:15 p.m. the same day on the Voice of Firestone radio network. ‘Back to the Farm’ is a 45-minute production that is designed to provide educational farming tips and recount hands on experiences shared by Firestone Liberia teammates and area farmers. The goal of the program is to provide guidance to local farmers interested in growing rubber and to strengthen the partnership between Firestone Liberia and the local farming community.

“This new program will buttress Firestone Liberia’s efforts in providing technical support for local farmers,” said Francis Kargbo, Manager for Farmington Group, Firestone Estates Department. “Some may not get it when we talk to them on the field but providing education on the radio will really help farmers to understand the different stages of rubber growth. The technical details we will be providing from farming field outings will prove to be invaluable and beneficial to anyone listening to the program.”

The Director of Agricultural Operations at Estates department, Jacob Valiyakalail said: “We will begin with providing detailed information on developing rubber nurseries and the rubber planting process, as a starter, on the first four editions of the radio show in the month of August. Managers and Supervisors from Estates department have been lined up to provide on field information to the audience on these topics”.

Ezekiah Ballah, a local farmer living in one of the neighbouring communities, has already learned valuable techniques and looks forward to the coming episodes.

“This program gives farmers a voice and helps provide knowledge on the different steps of rubber planting,” said Ballah. “I am looking toward moving from animal farming to rubber planting, and this program will benefit me greatly.”

Educational programs like ‘Back to the Farm’ embody the value ‘Empowerment’ – one of the eight values outlined in the Bridgestone E8 Commitment – by sharing knowledge and educating society to ensure accessibility and dignity for all.