Understanding land resource systems including the functions and interactions of each of the components is conditio sine qua non to sustainable land management and to reducing land degradation. The key to intergenerational equity, enhancing economic growth, and assuring sustainability depends on three interrelated facts: 1. Land degradation results from mismanagement of land and thus deals with two interacting systems, the natural ecosystem and the human, social system. 2. In developing countries, land degradation will be controlled only when the agricultural sector is strengthened and progress is made towards food security. 3. Until all levels of the decision making process are cognizant of these facts, unabated land degradation will continue. A better understanding of the degradation process and the resilience characteristics of the resource base coupled to improved soil, water and nutrient management is necessary to meet the global challenges of sustained crop production in harmony with good environmental management. This is the challenge and the new agenda for research and development in the immediate future. The ecosystem approach is the key to reducing degradation and ensuring sustainability of agriculture.