Nearly, 33% of the soils around the globe are prone to degradation and desertification due to improper and intensive agricultural practices coupled with climate change effects and soil and water mismanagement. Surface soil and water misuse could severely decline agricultural productivity, impair global food security, and pose a threat to the biodiversity of the region. So, there comes a need for the development of suitable soil and water conservation strategies to combat soil erosion and maintain sustainable crop production and ecological functions. These surface soil and water conservation measures either agronomic or mechanical, viz., reduced tillage, contour farming, strip cropping, cover cropping, mulching, terracing, check dams, rainwater harvesting, and efficient irrigation systems, could significantly reduce soil erosion and increase water use efficiency and crop yields, thus efficiently sustaining agricultural productivity, ecological functions, and farm economy. The chapter encompasses a comprehensive overview of the information related to various forms of soil degradation and water mismanagement, their impacts on agriculture, livelihood, and environment, strategies, and policy framework needed for conserving soil and water, preventing degradation and desertification of productive land across the globe.