Soil erosion and degradation is a naturally occurring process, where natural forces of water and wind wears off top soil from the earth's surface. According to the World Wildlife Fund, half of the earth's topsoil has been lost due to soil erosion in the last 150 years. Soil erosion may occur at a slow pace, or it may occur at an alarming rate, and may be reflected in reduced crop production, and other effects.

Soil erosion is a natural process, but several common factors, most of which are caused by human activities, tends to speed up the rate at which erosion occurs. Deforestation, intensive agriculture, roads, climate change are some factors caused by human activities that speeds up the process of soil erosion by 10 - 40 percent globally.

Today, soil erosion is one of the most significant global environmental problems we face as the result of its severe effects. Soil erosion destroys arable land. According to the United Nations University's Ghana based Institute for Natural Resources in Africa, Africa might be able to feed just 25% of its continent by 2025, if current trends of soil degradation continues. Soil erosion also leads to water pollution when soil eroded from land with pesticides is washed off into rivers and other waterways. However, there are several methods used to prevent or reduce the rate of soil erosion.

The simplest and most natural way to prevent erosion is through planting vegetation. Plants use their roots to hold soil together, which prevents or limits soil erosion. Other methods used include using geotextiles, mulch/fertilizer, retaining walls, etc.