Accelerated land degradation and desertification through soil erosion, depletion of soil fertility, overstocking, deforestation, and poor management of water resources are issues of great concern to environmentalists, researchers, academia, policymakers and governments. The Master of Science in Land and Water Management was launched in 1986 to meet the need for training and research in strategies for enhancing the productivity and sustainability of land and water resources.

The Society for Range Management defines a rangeland as: "Land on which the native vegetation (climax or natural potential) is predominantly grasses, grass-like plants, or shrubs” (SRM 1989). They are lands which due to certain environmental limitations, such as low and erratic precipitation, low soil fertility, shallow or rocky soil, or steep slopes; they are not fit for conventional rain-fed agriculture.

Global demand for food is projected to reach 3 billion tonnes in 2050 (FAO World Soil Charter). In order therefore to meet the related challenges of achieving this projected global demand for cereals and food security, proper soil management practices must undergo fundamental transformations noting that 33 percent of global soils are moderate to highly degraded due to erosion, nutrient depletion, acidification, salinization, compaction, and chemical pollution.