Abstract: The Chengyuan River Basin in Jixi county of Anhui province was taken as a site for case study of desertification combating. The results showed the existence of water induced desertification in granite area of sub humid zone of Southern China. The causes and harmfulnesses of desertification have been discussed. After more than 10 years of efforts on desertification control in the case study area, obvious improvement had been made and important experiences had been gained. In 1984, the total area of water induced desertification in Chengyuan River Basin was 7.56 km² which accounts for 18.03% of the total area of the basin, while in 1996, the acreage and the percentage of water induced desertificaton in the basin were decreased to 2.56 km² and 6.11%, respectively. Significant economic, social and environmental benefits have been obtained. Results of the study indicated that the desertification process may be reversed if a series of prevention and control measures could be taken.