To test the effects of access to information on efficiency in small scale agriculture, we
formulate a standard stochastic frontier (SF) model which is augmented with a technical
efficiency model that allows for an index which captures farmers’ ability to access
information. The index is constructed as a 2-parameter Rasch model. Panel data on small
scale agricultural production in Uganda is used in the construction of the index and the
estimation of the SF model. We find empirical evidence of a significant and positive
relationship between farmer ability to access information and farm efficiency. Mean
efficiency for farmers with greater access to information is 90%, about 33% higher than
efficiency of farmers with lower access to information. Our findings underscore the need for
greater access to ICT equipment and agriculture related information services for small scale
farmers in developing countries.