Farming requires the utilization of available inputs as efficiently as possible to optimize
production, farmers being primary managers of land and other productive resources, need to manage
problems arising from deteriorating natural resources. This study was conducted to identify sources of
technical efficiency among subsistence maize farmers. This was investigated using the stochastic
frontier production function which incorporates a model for the technical efficiency effect. Farm-level
survey data from 110 traditional maize farmers were obtained using well structured questionnaire. The
parameters were estimated simultaneously with those of the model of efficiency effects. Using the
maximum likelihood estimation technique, asymptotic parameter estimates were evaluated to describe
efficiency determinants. Results reveal a mean efficiency of 0.71 implying that output from maize
production could be increased by 29 percent using available technology. Results further reveal land,
labour, inorganic fertilizer and planting materials were found to have positive and significant impact on
technical efficiency. Other variables which were identified as sources of technical efficiency and which
have impact on technical efficiency include age, technical assistance, credit and market. These results
underscores the need for appropriate policy intervention to stimulate maize production by encouraging
farmers through timely provision of inputs, and availability of credit facilities, and road infrastructure
development which will provide easy access to market and adequate technical assistance.