Yes the given statement is very true that ‘Deforestation can lead to desertification’ because deforestation affects the properties of soil. When there is no vegetation left due to deforestation soil erosion occurs at a very high rate. Due to this the lower, hard and rocky surface is exposed which contains no humus and is less fertile. With time due to deforestation this fertile lands get converted into deserts and this process is called desertification. So, ultimately deforestation gives rise to desertification.