Land desertification in northwest China has been worsening, impacting local development. A study used remote sensing and GIS to assess desertification sensitivity from 2000 to 2017. Factors like terrain, soil, climate, vegetation, and hydrology influence desertification. High sensitivity areas are mainly in basins and deserts, while low sensitivity areas are in mountain ranges. Overall, desertification sensitivity has slightly decreased, indicating progress in control efforts. Soil and climate are key factors driving desertification, while vegetation plays a crucial role in changing sensitivity. Topography and hydrology help limit desertification, and socio-economic factors also impact sensitivity levels.