What is desertification?

Desertification is defined as the degradation of land in dry regions, resulting from various factors, including climatic changes and human activities. This process typically leads to the loss of vegetation, soil quality, and biodiversity, making the land less productive and more desert-like. It is particularly concerning because it can transform previously fertile land, reducing its ability to support crops and livestock.

The issue is exacerbated by practices such as deforestation, overgrazing, and unsustainable farming techniques, all of which contribute to the deterioration of the land's ability to retain moisture and nutrients. Unlike the natural expansion of deserts, desertification can often be a human-induced phenomenon where previously productive areas are transformed into barren landscapes due to mismanagement. The distinction between desertification and processes like flooding or land becoming fertile is also significant, as those are unrelated to the degradation of land specifically in dry regions.