Replacement intercropping trials with maize and dry beans were conducted to provide information which could lead to a cropping strategy that would reduce the risk of rainfed crop production in the Ciskei. Attention is focused on the problem of analysing intercropping experiments. It was concluded that more than one method of analysis was necessary. The gross yields obtained as well as the competition effects in terms of the proportion harvested rather than the proportions sown must be examined. Replacement intercropping of maize and beans does not appear to provide a strategy for reducing the risk of rainfed cropping in Ciskei.