Which of the following can cause desert encroachment?

Desert encroachment can be caused by overgrazing. Overgrazing refers to the excessive grazing of livestock on a particular land area. When there are too many animals grazing in a particular area, they eat more plants than the ecosystem can replace, which leads to a reduction in vegetation cover. Without vegetation, the soil is exposed to harsh weather conditions like wind and sun, which makes it more susceptible to erosion. When soil erosion occurs, it can lead to the formation of desert-like conditions where once fertile land existed. On the other hand, afforestation, planting of trees, irrigation, and the establishment of game reserves can actually help to prevent desert encroachment by increasing vegetation cover and preventing soil erosion. Therefore, these practices are often used as strategies to combat desertification.