A study carried in 1995, among I 97 randomly selected rural households from five selected districts of the Northern Province indicate a high incidence of and variability in household food security. Households in two districts of Nebo and Botlokwa are totally food insecure, while that of Seshego remain vulnerable and those in Venda and Gyani districts seem food secure. Based on calculations of the minimum daily calorie requirements of adults equivalents (2205 cal/day) for the sample, 58%,17% and 25% are classified as food in secured, vulnerable and secured, respectively. Respondents perceive drought and lack of income as the causal factors of food shortages. Dependence on community /social networks, own food production, employment seeking and asset accumulation are the short and long run coping strategies adopted by the households. Intensifying staple food production, would help expanding food access to the poor and vulnerable groups and enhancing participatory agricultural and rural development through strengthened support services are recommended as possible options and strategies.