Eastern and Central Asia experienced the most severe land degradation. This region includes countries such as China, Mongolia, and parts of Russia. There are several factors that contribute to the severe land degradation in this region.

1. Expansion of agriculture: The rapid expansion of agriculture in Eastern and Central Asia has led to the conversion of natural ecosystems, such as forests and grasslands, into farmland. This has resulted in deforestation, soil erosion, and loss of biodiversity.

2. Overgrazing: The region is known for its extensive pastoral systems, where livestock is a major source of livelihood. Overgrazing by livestock has caused degradation of grasslands, leading to soil erosion and desertification.

3. Water scarcity: Eastern and Central Asia is home to several arid and semi-arid regions, where water scarcity is a major challenge. Unsustainable water management practices, such as excessive groundwater extraction and inefficient irrigation techniques, have contributed to land degradation.

4. Mining activities: The region is rich in mineral resources, and mining activities have intensified in recent decades. Mining operations often involve the removal of vegetation, excavation of land, and release of toxic substances, leading to land degradation.

5. Urbanization and infrastructure development: Rapid urbanization and infrastructure development in Eastern and Central Asia have resulted in the conversion of agricultural and natural lands into built-up areas. This has caused loss of fertile soil and fragmentation of ecosystems.

6. Climate change: The region is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including increased frequency and intensity of droughts, floods, and storms. These extreme weather events exacerbate land degradation by causing soil erosion, landslides, and loss of vegetation.

Overall, the combination of unsustainable agricultural practices, overgrazing, water scarcity, mining activities, urbanization, and climate change has made Eastern and Central Asia the region with the most severe land degradation. Addressing these issues requires implementing sustainable land management practices, promoting efficient water use, conserving natural ecosystems, and mitigating climate change impacts.