Abstract This study explores the effects of agricultural extension services on farm productivity and food security in Tanzania using data from the 2019/20 National Sample Census of Agriculture. The study used an Ordinary Least Square and Tobit regression models to examine the effects of agricultural extension services on agricultural productivity and food security measured in harvest per acre and Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) respectively. The findings highlight a significant positive correlation between using agricultural extension services and increased farm productivity and food security. These results emphasize substantial policy implications suggesting a strategic focus on enhancing the accessibility and effectiveness of extension services particularly among smallholder farmers. Furthermore, the government and stakeholders need to prioritize and invest in expanding extension services to smallholder farmers. This involves improving service quality to address the specific needs of smallholder farmers. Such approaches may contribute to improved farm productivity and food security in Tanzania.