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Deterioration in the quality of land generally means the temporary or permanent decline in the productive capacity of the land. It can be considered in terms of the loss of actual or potential productivity or utility as a result of natural or anthropogenic factors showing a decline in the land quality or reduction in its productivity. The emphasis on land rather than soil broadens the focus to include natural resources such as micro-climate, water, landforms and vegetation. Land resources can suffer degradation from human activities, which in turn affect water and biological resources. Often land degradation undermines the ability of communities to depend on their environment for their livelihoods. This is seen clearly when land resources potential is diminished through desertification.

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Travis Clarke studied at La Trobe University, Victoria, Australia. After having been graduated in 2001, he nows works as a lecturer at Victoria University. He has published several articles for university´s journals.

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