Describe desertification.

Desertification is the process by which fertile land gradually becomes desert. This transformation often results from a combination of various factors, including climate change, deforestation, urbanization, and unsustainable agricultural practices. As fertile soil is depleted, vegetation cover diminishes, leading to soil erosion and further degradation of the land. This can significantly impact local ecosystems, agriculture, and the livelihoods of communities that depend on the land for their sustenance. Understanding desertification is crucial as it highlights the vulnerability of certain regions to environmental changes and the need for sustainable management practices to preserve arable land.