This study analysed the levels of technical efficiency using a cross-sectional data collected from 288 irrigated and non-irrigated potato producers in east Gojjam zone of Ethiopia. The results revealed that there were potato production technical inefficiencies among sample farm households. The tobit model results indicated that access to irrigation, loan size, extension contact, livestock holding, agro-ecology, off/non-farm income and sex of household head were significant factors that affected technical efficiency of potato production. Thus, to enhance potato productivity, agricultural activities need to target irrigation and efficient utilization of farm inputs and the socio-economic factors that determine technical efficiency of potato production.

Keywords: Technical efficiency, irrigation, smallholders, stochastic frontier, East Gojjam