Turmeric(Curcuma domestica Val) is one of the spices produced in Ethiopia entirelyrnby smallholder subsistence farmers in southwestern part of the country. Itrncomposes a significant proportion of smallholders' income and it is one of therndiversification crop used by coffee growers. It is also one of the potential exportrncrop considered in agricultural development strategy of Ethiopia towards therncommercialization of smallholders' farming. However, the total production volumernand productivity of turmeric is very low compared to its potential in therncountry. Its contribution to the spice export compared to its potential is yet unexploitedrnbecause of the weak link of production and marketing. Farmers usernlow yielding varieties and traditional harvesting and processing techniques.rnThis study was initiated to assess the current practices and constraints of turmericrnproduction and marketing in major production areas and to draw lessonrnfor future interventions. The empirical study was conducted in Yeki woreda ofrnShaka zone in Southwestern Ethiopia. Both qualitative and quantitative datarnwere used that are collected through PRA tools and structured questionnaire.rnDescriptive statistics were employed to analyze household survey while thernqualitative data was analyzed and interpreted through explanations and logicalrnreasoning at the spot.rnEven though turmeric production plays an important role in the producers livelihood,rnit's trend of production, productivity and quality has declined continuouslyrnfor the last ten years. Farmers are currently aggressively replaced byrnmaize, sorghum and coffee because of the relative price decline of turmeric. Thernmarket situation is characterized by anti-competitiveness and the producers werernforced into the role of price takers. Its production and marketing are highly constrainedrnby low prices, poor marketing information services; labor and fuelrnshortages; weak extension services and poor processing techniques and imp lexirn"rnments. Reforming the anticompetitive marketing system of turmeric; improvingrnthe e~tension services; promotion of improved processing implements; provisionrnof relevant marketing information through appropriate methods such as localrnradios can motivate farmers to continue producing turmeric. In this way therncommercialization and specialization.. programs of agricultural developmentrnstrategy will continue contributing to poverty reduction and diversification ofrnexport items simultaneously.rnKey words: Turmeric, spices, Southwestern, marketing information, commercialization