Undoubtly, land degradation causes apparent decrease of natural resources potential which are highly linked to desertification. Different countries and also international organization have realized a great number of projects to combat desertification. Unfortunately these projects have not reached to their goals. The experiences show that the reason of these unsuccessful works is lack of consideration on human factors as well as socio-economic issues. To find out the criteria, indicator and indices in desertification, the mentioned factors should be noticed. The importance of socio-economic issues, and establishing a realistic framework based on qualitative indicators and indices, are the main objectives of current research, which are adapted to situation of Iran, They are summarized in four groups and classified items as; population, poverty and economics, rights and institution and socio-cultural criteria.