Areas of steepland (with a slope of greater than 18%) are being increasingly used for agriculture throughout the tropics often with dire consequences. Steeplands comprise some 59% of the total land area in the Philippines. Because of the population pressure in the Philippines, this land has to support 30% of its population.

In Australia, over 26 000 ha of intensive agriculture takes place on steepland (12% slope), generating an income in excess of $100 million. This steepland is sought by Australian farmers to provide land close to markets, free drainage, fertile soils or freedom from frost. In both countries, the use of standard agricultural practices on the steep slopes often leads to severe erosion and declining crop yields. Soil losses have been recorded in the order of 85 to 300 t/ha/yr in Australian pineapple and sugarcane farms.