Desertification has emerged as a major environmental problem during last few decades. Due to its serious implications on food security it has attracted global recognition. Significant attention is being given to its mitigation both at government and non-governmental levels. Some of the efforts carried out by state sponsored agencies and NGOs have turned into success stories. However, it has been noticed that if the problem persists for a long time due to lack of attention then land restoration becomes ecologically and financially expensive. Therefore its earlier diagnosis and treatment can not only reduce the cost but is also beneficial for human welfare. Pakistan has substantial land susceptible to desertification due to geographical factors such as topography and aridity and social issues like rapid population growth and socio-economic changes. The pressure on land often leads to its un-sustainable land use leading to desertification. Millions of poor farm households and their livelihoods in arid and semiarid areas of the country are prone to risks and uncertainties associated with desertification and land degradation. Inhabitants of the areas affected by desertification try to adapt to changing environment and cope with emerging problems within their own limited knowledge and capacity.Some of the adaptation strategies like social values and norms are built in the traditions of the society. In addition, farmers try to learn from their experiences. Their efforts need to be supported as much as possible. Technology transfer and extension on conservation practices and selection of suitable and better adopted plant varieties and livestock breeds could be of substantial help in that direction. Further, financial assistance through farm credits could also help poor farmers to invest in their lands for improving its productivity. The present study of Karak district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been undertaken to portray a case study in Pakistan in an area prone to and affected by desertification. It would provide an insight not only into the causes of desertification in a semiarid area but also into workable alternatives adapted locally for the sustainable management of land resources. It would also help in policy formulation and provide guidelines for decision-making to combat desertification. Data regarding physical parameters in this study were obtained using modern tools like remote sensing and GIS for mapping the area affected or at risk from desertification. The data on social parameters were collected through household surveys and focused group discussions that were analyzed following its processing with SPSS. Results obtained from this study reveal declining land productivity (both crops and rangeland), crop failure, and increased cost of agriculture, pointing a finger towards increasing desertification and land degradation. Both natural and anthropogenic factors are responsible for increase in desertification. Among natural factors enhanced aridity (water scarcity) as well as erosion of soil by wind and water are prominent. In terms of anthropogenic factors, over exploitation of resources, whether through cutting of vegetation, cultivation of farmland or livestock grazing is the main culprit. In order to reduce their dependence on land many people have migrated to earn income from nonfarm sources. However, while providing extra income, migration has also resulted in dearth of farm labor, often leading to abandonment of cultivated land opening them to erosion and desertification. Nevertheless remittances from migrants have also helped in certain cases to enhance investment in land for increasing productivity through increase of farm inputs. Finally, this study noted that the practice of traditional values for the control of desertification, which had declined with time are now being revived to control the overexploitation of resources, a good sign for future desertification control in the area.