Which term refers to the process by which fertile land becomes desert, often due to drought, deforestation, or inappropriate agriculture?

• A. Desertification
• B. Deforestation
• C. Aquaculture
• D. Biodiversity

Answer: (A)

Desertification describes the process by which fertile land becomes desert, often driven by drought, deforestation, and inappropriate agriculture. It happens when repeated dry periods, loss of vegetation, and poor land management degrade soil structure, reduce moisture retention, and remove nutrients. Without protective cover, wind and water erosion strip away topsoil, and productivity declines, so land takes on desert-like characteristics. This term specifically captures the transformation of productive land into degraded, desert-like conditions under both natural and human pressures. Deforestation means simply removing forests, aquaculture is farming in water, and biodiversity refers to the variety of life—none of these alone describe the land degradation process described here.