What is desertification?
Desertification is land degradation in arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas.
Definition and processes
Core concept Prolonged drought, harmful land use, overgrazing and unsuitable irrigation can weaken soil and vegetation. Wind and water may strip away fertile topsoil. How it is studied Vegetation, organic matter, productivity and water balance are monitored together. One dry year alone does not establish lasting desertification.
Applications and caveats
Why it matters Degradation can affect food production, livelihoods and water security. Soil conservation, suitable grazing and careful water management can help. Common misunderstandings Desertification does not mean that existing deserts physically spread sand everywhere. Not every degraded landscape in a wet climate meets this technical definition.