One of the negative trends observed in recent decades is the degradation and withdrawal of agricultural lands from circulation and a decrease in their fertility. These processes occur to varying degrees in different macroregions of the world, but their consequences may be most negative for Africa. This is due to the specifics of agricultural production in the countries of this continent. The authors examined in more detail the factors and causes of land degradation, primarily agricultural ones, using the example of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We found that in many countries in this macroregion, unsustainable methods are used in the production of products of plant and animal origin, causing negative consequences for soil cover and biodiversity. In particular, among them are the uncontrolled expansion of arable and pasture areas to the detriment of forest lands and without taking into account the properties of soils, suboptimal use of fertilizers, outdated fallow farming and transhumance. In the article, the authors consider some measures that will help SSA countries slow down the processes of land degradation.