وفي العموم، يضر التصحر ب‍ ‍250 مليون شخص وثلث سطح الأرض، أي 4 ملايين هكتار من الأراضي تقريباً.
This phenomenon is especially pronounced in some parts of sub-Saharan Africa and South America, resulting in the loss of arable land, peasants migrating to the cities, and the collapse of many rural communities, especially in developing countries.