<p>Food production in Tanzania has been consistently low, hindering the ability to meet household and national requirements. This study estimates the technical efficiency (TE) of maize and paddy production in Tanzania mainland. A sample of 1699 small-scale farmers was selected from Tanzania’s Extended Panel Survey of 2019/20, sourced from the World Bank. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the data patterns, and the stochastic frontier model was employed for technical efficiency analysis. A sample of 1699 small-scale farmers was selected from Tanzania’s Extended Panel Survey of 2019/20, sourced from the World Bank. The stochastic frontier model was employed for technical efficiency analysis. The results indicate that on average the TE levels for maize and paddy are 51.45% and 33.27%, respectively. This means that farmers could increase output by 48.55% for maize and 66.73% for paddy without employing additional inputs. These findings imply that maize farmers exhibit higher technical efficiencies than paddy farmers. Moreover, factors such as labour hours, seed quantity, farm size, fertilizers application, and mechanical costs significantly influence efficiency in both crops. The significant impact of socioeconomic determinants emphasises the need for tailored interventions based on the specific needs of different regions and farmer demographics. The study advocates for customised training programmes, policies promoting seed access, sustainable mechanisation, and incentives to optimise farm sizes. These recommendations, rooted in inclusivity and sustainability, offer a model for addressing agricultural challenges beyond Tanzania, aligning with global Sustainable Development Goals.</p>