Land degradation is one of the most serious global eco-environment problem which limits the development of society and economy at present.According to the situation in northwestern of Shanxi province,land degradation mainly includes water erosion and wind erosion.Land degradation in this area with fragile eco-environment condition,such as loose surface material composition and dry climatic condition,is directly resulted by rapid increase of population and human irrational economic activities.Finally,the negative effects of land degradation on society and environment are studied,and strategies for preventing further land degradation are also put forward.