Analysis is provided of data collected among a sample of 2290 women in the Transkei subregion of South Africa. The sample was a multistage probability sample stratified by socioeconomic group and region (8). The aim was to identify the main features of contraceptive behavior in the rural Transkei region which has 10% of the South African population and 55% of the Eastern Cape population. 46% of women headed households and 32% of the population were males aged 15-64 years. A notable feature of the region is widespread poverty and a lack of amenities. Survey findings reveal that 60% of women had ever used contraception. 42% of women were current users. Contraceptive knowledge was high but varied by background characteristics. 53% of never married women and 34% of currently married women were current users. 16% of uneducated women and 67% of educated women were current users. More users were women who worked outside the home. Marriage was viewed as not a good indicator of sexual practices. Over 70% of never married teenagers were sexually active of whom 68% were current users. 58% of current use was use of injectables and 29% used the pill. The condom was widely known but seldom used. Rhythm was the least well known and the least used method. It is confirmed that contraceptive use among Blacks in Transkei followed the national pattern of widespread use of effective modern methods of contraception. 43% indicated a stop to childbearing as the reason for use. 33% desired to space births. Common reasons for nonuse were sexual inactivity and desire for a pregnancy. The main reasons for discontinuation were a desire for a pregnancy being pregnant and husbands objection. 41% of women who never used intended to use a method in the future. It is posited that contraceptive use among rural women in South Africa is part of a socioeconomic adjustment strategy. Government family planning is not credited with the high demand for contraception due to client-unfriendly programs.