Desertification is the process by which land in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas becomes degraded, leading to a loss of plant and animal life. This is often caused by factors such as climate change, deforestation, unsustainable agriculture practices, and overgrazing, ultimately turning fertile land into desert-like conditions. Desertification can have severe impacts on local ecosystems, agriculture, and communities relying on the land for their livelihoods.