Abstract
In Ethiopia, the use of pesticides is increasing day by day. However, the handling and safety during practices are still very low, and farmers are directly exposed to chemicals that harm their health. The objective of this study was to assess farmers' understanding and practices related to pesticide mixing and application on their crops. This study was carried out in different districts of West Shoa Zone, Oromia Regional State of Ethiopia, where the potential use of pesticides is very high. A total of 270 small-scale respondents were interviewed during this survey study. About 95.19% of farmers in the study used pesticides, while the rest (4.81%) did not use pesticides. Regarding the use of common pesticides in the study, the survey results reflect that about 25.9% of respondents used all three pesticides (Herbicide, Fungicide, and Insecticide). Respondents were asked about their precautions during pesticide mixing and application; more than half (67.04%) answered ‘no’. They always use hats, boots, and masks to prevent themselves from direct pesticide contact. All the respondents (100%) never wear overall protective clothes, but very few (4.44%) wear ordinary clothes, hats, masks, and boots when spraying and mixing pesticides. Over 74.44% of the farmers acknowledged pesticide containers have labels, while 16.67% responded that there was no labeling on the container. Most respondents (85.56%) follow the weather conditions to apply pesticides to their crops. Only 7.78% and 3.70% of the respondents wash their whole body immediately and their hands immediately before eating, respectively. The results of this study indicate that due to the unsafe use of pesticides, farmers are at high risk of pesticide exposure. According to this study, farmers require thorough training on pesticide safety, guidance, and regular follow-up from extension services to reduce the danger of pesticide exposure.