Question: What Is Desertification?
Answer: Desertification is the development of desert-like conditions in regions that have experienced human disturbance such as deforestation, overgrazing, or poorly managed agriculture. Although the extent of the world's deserts expand and contract in response to naturally changes in climatic conditions, desertification is a phenomenon induced by human activities. Land alteration often brings with it modification of local climatic conditions.
Desertification can occur by the spreading of sand dunes or the compaction of soils (due to overuse by herds or by over-farming).
