What is a primary consequence of land degradation?

Land degradation refers to the deterioration of the land's quality and productivity due to various factors such as deforestation, soil erosion, and unsustainable land use practices. One of the primary consequences of this degradation is the reduced amount of productive land available for agriculture. As the land loses its nutrients, structure, and biodiversity, its ability to support crops diminishes significantly. This leads to lower agricultural yields and can threaten food security, particularly in regions that rely heavily on agriculture for their livelihoods.

In contrast, the other choices do not align with the realities of land degradation. Increased land availability for wildlife would typically occur in areas where land is abandoned or converted to conservation efforts, but this is not a direct result of degradation. Increased productivity in agriculture is contrary to the effects of land degradation, as degraded lands are less able to sustain agricultural practices. Improved water quality is also not a direct outcome; in fact, land degradation often leads to increased runoff and pollution in water systems as soil and nutrients are washed away. This context highlights why reduced productive land for agriculture is the accurate consequence of land degradation.