In Ethiopia like that of the other developing countries, pesticides are widely used for a variety of purposes, but its unsafe use causes a major environmental and public health hazards. The aim of this study was to assess pesticide use practice and its associated factors among the rural community, Malga district, Sidama region, southern Ethiopia. A community based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to March 2021 at Malga District. Data was collected from 549 farmers by a structured and pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire. Binary and multivariable logistic regression was used for the data analysis. Adjusted odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to determine the association between safe utilization practices of pesticide and the factors. This study revealed that, safe practice of pesticide use was 193 (35.2%). The participants who had primary education [AOR= 5.605, 95%CI: 3.309, 9.495], Secondary and above [AOR= 9.847, 95% CI: 5.007, 19.368], pesticide used  for 10 years and above [AOR= 6.790, 95% CI: 3.589, 12.843], used for between 6-10 years [AOR= 1.913, 95% CI: 1.166, 3.141] and  source of pesticide bought from nearby at any shop [AOR= 2.320, 95%CI: 1.364, 3.947], agricultural office [AOR= 7.187, 95% CI: 3.654, 14.137] were associated  with safe  pesticides use practice. The safe practice of pesticides use was low at the study area. Therefore, Continuous training program should be implemented on safe practice of pesticide use to the local farmers.

Keywords: Pesticide, Use practice, Malga district, South Ethiopia