Land degradation is a serious environmental problem affecting both developing and developed countries, with major effects on ecosystems and human well-being. In Lesotho, the problem is increasing in urban and peri-urban areas because of rapid population growth, weak land management and unplanned settlements. This research focuses on Khubetsoana in Maseru to examine the spatial patterns and socio-environmental effects of land degradation. The study is important because it improves understanding of local environmental challenges while reflecting global concerns about sustainable land use and urban development. A mixed-methods approach was applied by combining household surveys, interviews, field observations and basic spatial analysis. A total of 120 households were selected using stratified random sampling. Interviews gathered detailed information on land use practices, waste management and residents’ experiences of environmental change. Field observations were conducted to identify visible signs of degradation, including soil erosion, vegetation loss and waste accumulation in different parts of the study area. These methods improved the reliability of findings through triangulation. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Results show that land degradation is more severe in densely populated and poorly serviced areas. Contributing factors include poverty, low environmental awareness and weak urban planning. The study concludes that stronger land management policies, better infrastructure and increased community awareness are necessary to reduce environmental pressure and promote sustainable urban development. The findings also highlight the need for cooperation between government institutions, local communities and environmental organizations in protecting urban land resources for future generations.