de·sert·i·fi·ca·tion 
/dɪˌzɚtəfəˈkeɪʃən/ noun
/dɪˌzɚtəfəˈkeɪʃən/ noun [noncount] technical : the process by which an area becomes a desert
▪ The organization was awarded for its efforts to prevent further desertification in Africa.
▪ The organization was awarded for its efforts to prevent further desertification in Africa.
