The human dimension of desertification has been overlooked in previous definitions, which mainly focused on natural aspects. However, human communities play a significant role in the process of desertification and are not just victims. The degradation affects not only the environment but also the complex production systems developed over centuries. A new definition suggests that desertification is the degradation of drylands production systems resulting from interactions between humans and their environments. This highlights the need for a more human-centered approach to understanding and addressing desertification.