IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jlands/v14y2025i3p496-d1601396.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Bibliometric Analysis of Desertification in the Period from 1974 to 2024 Based on the Scopus Database

Author

Listed:
  • Arslan Berdyyev

    (State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Key Laboratory of Ecological Safety and Sustainable Development in Arid Lands, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China
    CAS Research Center for Ecology and Environment of Central Asia, Urumqi 830011, China
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
    China-Kazakhstan Joint Laboratory for Remote Sensing Technology and Application, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty 050012, Kazakhstan)

  • Yousef A. Al-Masnay

    (State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Key Laboratory of Ecological Safety and Sustainable Development in Arid Lands, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
    Key Laboratory of GIS & RS Application Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China)

  • Mukhiddin Juliev

    (State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Key Laboratory of Ecological Safety and Sustainable Development in Arid Lands, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China
    Institute of Fundamental and Applied Research, “TIIAME” National Research University, Kary-Niyaziy Str. 39, Tashkent 100000, Uzbekistan
    Department of Scientific Research, Kokand University Andijan Branch, Jasorat 43, Andijan 170619, Uzbekistan
    Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Turin Polytechnic University in Tashkent, Little Ring Road Street 17, Tashkent 100095, Uzbekistan)

  • Jilili Abuduwaili

    (State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Key Laboratory of Ecological Safety and Sustainable Development in Arid Lands, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China
    CAS Research Center for Ecology and Environment of Central Asia, Urumqi 830011, China
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
    China-Kazakhstan Joint Laboratory for Remote Sensing Technology and Application, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty 050012, Kazakhstan)

Abstract

Desertification remains a critical global issue driven by climate change, unsustainable land use, and socio-economic pressures. This bibliometric review provides an in-depth analysis of desertification research from 1974 to 2024 using the Scopus database to identify trends, key players, and methodological advances. Publications grew exponentially during this period, from 21 in 1974 to a peak of 186 in 2023, demonstrating growing academic and policy attention. The analysis found that 4178 authors contributed to 2004 peer-reviewed articles, with China emerging as a leading research hub, contributing 386 publications and leading efforts in environmental restoration projects such as the Great Green Wall. Advanced methodologies, including remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS), have facilitated large-scale monitoring, despite challenges such as data inconsistencies and limited resolution. Institutions such as Guizhou Normal University and Lanzhou University have led the global research effort, publishing 316 and 124 publications, respectively. Influential journals, including Land Degradation and Development and the Journal of Arid Environments , have played a key role in shaping the discourse. Historical analysis has highlighted the persistent threat of desertification to human societies, exemplified by the decline of civilizations such as the Sumerian and Khorezmian. Despite significant progress, regional differences in research attention persist, with Central Asia receiving limited attention despite its vulnerability. This review highlights the need for standardized methodologies, interdisciplinary approaches, and enhanced international collaboration. By leveraging advanced technologies and sustainable land management practices, the global community can mitigate the environmental and socio-economic impacts of desertification, promoting the resilience of ecosystems and communities while moving toward land degradation neutrality.

Suggested Citation

  • Arslan Berdyyev & Yousef A. Al-Masnay & Mukhiddin Juliev & Jilili Abuduwaili, 2025. "Bibliometric Analysis of Desertification in the Period from 1974 to 2024 Based on the Scopus Database," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-28, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:14:y:2025:i:3:p:496-:d:1601396
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-445X/14/3/496/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-445X/14/3/496/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Donthu, Naveen & Kumar, Satish & Mukherjee, Debmalya & Pandey, Nitesh & Lim, Weng Marc, 2021. "How to conduct a bibliometric analysis: An overview and guidelines," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 133(C), pages 285-296.
    2. Diêgo P. Costa & Stefanie M. Herrmann & Rodrigo N. Vasconcelos & Soltan Galano Duverger & Washinton J. S. Franca Rocha & Elaine C. B. Cambuí & Jocimara S. B. Lobão & Ellen M. R. Santos & Jefferson Fer, 2023. "Bibliometric Analysis of Land Degradation Studies in Drylands Using Remote Sensing Data: A 40-Year Review," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(9), pages 1-16, September.
    3. Panpan Liu & Bing Guo & Rui Zhang, 2024. "Detection of the Evolution Process of Desertification in Gulang County Based on Long Series and Similar Time Images," Land, MDPI, vol. 13(10), pages 1-21, October.
    4. Mukhiddin Juliev & Madinabonu Kholmurodova & Bekmurat Abdikairov & Jilili Abuduwaili, 2024. "A comprehensive review of soil erosion research in Central Asian countries (1993-2022) based on the Scopus database," Soil and Water Research, Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences, vol. 19(4), pages 244-256.
    5. Rosanna Salvia & Gianluca Egidi & Sabato Vinci & Luca Salvati, 2019. "Desertification Risk and Rural Development in Southern Europe: Permanent Assessment and Implications for Sustainable Land Management and Mitigation Policies," Land, MDPI, vol. 8(12), pages 1-16, December.
    6. Rares Halbac-Cotoara-Zamfir & Daniela Smiraglia & Giovanni Quaranta & Rosanna Salvia & Luca Salvati & Antonio Giménez-Morera, 2020. "Land Degradation and Mitigation Policies in the Mediterranean Region: A Brief Commentary," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(20), pages 1-17, October.
    7. Peixian Li & Peng Chen & Jiaqi Shen & Weinan Deng & Xinliang Kang & Guorui Wang & Shoubao Zhou, 2022. "Dynamic Monitoring of Desertification in Ningdong Based on Landsat Images and Machine Learning," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(12), pages 1-35, June.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Rosanna Salvia & Valentina Quaranta & Adele Sateriano & Giovanni Quaranta, 2022. "Land Resource Depletion, Regional Disparities, and the Claim for a Renewed ‘Sustainability Thinking’ under Early Desertification Conditions," Resources, MDPI, vol. 11(3), pages 1-14, March.
    2. Jan Wiers & Didier Chabaud, 2022. "Bibliometric analysis of immigrant entrepreneurship research 2009–2019," Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research, Springer;UNESCO Chair in Entrepreneurship, vol. 12(1), pages 441-464, December.
    3. Katherin Carrera-Silva & Olga Maritza Rodríguez Ulcuango & Paula Abdo-Peralta & Ángel Gerardo Castelo Salazar & Carmen Amelia Samaniego Erazo & Diego Haro Ávalos, 2024. "Beyond the Financial Horizon: A Critical Review of Social Responsibility in Latin American Credit Unions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(18), pages 1-23, September.
    4. Migliavacca, Milena & Goodell, John W. & Paltrinieri, Andrea, 2023. "A bibliometric review of portfolio diversification literature," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 90(C).
    5. Shuangqing Sheng & Wei Song & Hua Lian & Lei Ning, 2022. "Review of Urban Land Management Based on Bibliometrics," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(11), pages 1-25, November.
    6. Dzintra Atstāja & Kevin Wilclif Mukem, 2024. "Sustainable Supply Chain Management in the Oil and Gas Industry in Developing Countries as a Part of the Quadruple Helix Concept: A Systematic Literature Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(5), pages 1-18, February.
    7. Charlie Karlsson & Björn Hammarsssfelt, 2025. "The growth and development of Nordic regional science research 1982–2022: bibliometric evidence from thirteen regional science journals," The Annals of Regional Science, Springer;Western Regional Science Association, vol. 74(1), pages 1-36, March.
    8. Ying Liang & Wei Song, 2022. "Ecological and Environmental Effects of Land Use and Cover Changes on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau: A Bibliometric Review," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(12), pages 1-23, November.
    9. Lanzalonga Federico & Chmet Federico & Petrolo Basilio & Brescia Valerio, 2023. "Exploring Diversity Management to Avoid Social Washing and Pinkwashing: Using Bibliometric Analysis to Shape Future Research Directions," Journal of Intercultural Management, Sciendo, vol. 15(1), pages 41-65, March.
    10. Mansoureh Beheshti Nejad & Seyed Mahmoud Zanjirchi & Seyed Mojtaba Hosseini Bamakan & Negar Jalilian, 2024. "Blockchain Adoption in Operations Management: A Systematic Literature Review of 14 Years of Research," Annals of Data Science, Springer, vol. 11(4), pages 1361-1389, August.
    11. Satish Kumar & Filomena Maggino & Raj V. Mahto & Riya Sureka & Leonardo Salvatore Alaimo & Weng Marc Lim, 2022. "Social Indicators Research: A Retrospective Using Bibliometric Analysis," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 162(1), pages 413-448, July.
    12. Francisco Díez-Martín & Giorgia Miotto & Cristina Del-Castillo-Feito, 2024. "The intellectual structure of gender equality research in the business economics literature," Review of Managerial Science, Springer, vol. 18(6), pages 1649-1680, June.
    13. H. Kent Baker & Satish Kumar & Nitesh Pandey & Anup Srivastava, 2024. "The Review of Accounting Studies at age 25: a retrospective using bibliometric analysis," Review of Accounting Studies, Springer, vol. 29(2), pages 1997-2029, June.
    14. Iveta Musilová & Jiří Dvořák & Jaroslav Jánský & Vladimír Bolek, 2023. "Trends in Performance Research in Relation to Business Strategy: Bibliometric Analysis and Text Mining," Central European Business Review, Prague University of Economics and Business, vol. 2023(3), pages 143-174.
    15. Théodore Nikiema & Eugène C. Ezin & Sylvain Kpenavoun Chogou, 2023. "Bibliometric Analysis of the State of Research on Agroecology Adoption and Methods Used for Its Assessment," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(21), pages 1-18, November.
    16. Anup Kumar & Santosh Kumar Shrivastav & Avinash K. Shrivastava & Rashmi Ranjan Panigrahi & Abbas Mardani & Fausto Cavallaro, 2023. "Sustainable Supply Chain Management, Performance Measurement, and Management: A Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-25, March.
    17. Aynur Karabacak Çelik, 2025. "Current research trends in child poverty and psychological resilience research: A bibliometric analysis approach," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 33(2), pages 2449-2468, April.
    18. Sabina Kordana-Obuch & Michał Wojtoń & Mariusz Starzec & Beata Piotrowska, 2023. "Opportunities and Challenges for Research on Heat Recovery from Wastewater: Bibliometric and Strategic Analyses," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-36, September.
    19. Lin Hu & Qinghai Chen & Tingting Yang & Chuanjian Yi & Jing Chen, 2024. "Visualization and Analysis of Hotspots and Trends in Seafood Cold Chain Logistics Based on CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and RStudio Bibliometrix," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(15), pages 1-22, July.
    20. Carolina Feliciana Machado & João Paulo Davim, 2022. "Higher Education for Sustainability: A Bibliometric Approach—What, Where and Who Is Doing Research in This Subject?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-15, April.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:14:y:2025:i:3:p:496-:d:1601396. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.