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• The albedo-MSAVI point-to-point model is the most suitable feature space model for desertification monitoring in the Sahel. • The level of desertification has reduced from 2000 to 2020 in the Sahel. • Light, moderate desertification lands undergoing greater change intensity. • Precipitation is the dominant factor of desertified land area change. The transitional characteristics of desert grasslands in the Sahel determine the ecosystem's fragility, which is extremely susceptible to the expansion and reversal of land desertification under the influence of climate change and anthropogenic activities. Accordingly, monitoring desertification dynamics is essential to combat this process. Based on Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data, this study analysed the applicability of different feature space models to monitor desertification levels in the Sahel from 2000 to 2020, revealing the optimal monitoring model, analysing the spatiotemporal changes and primary driving factors. The results were as follows: In the Sahel, the albedo-modified soil adjusted vegetation index (MSAVI) based on the point-to-point model is the best for desertification monitoring, with an overall accuracy of 86.78%. Generally, the level of desertification was reduced from 2000 to 2020, the area of extremely severe desertification decreased by retreating northward; and the areas of light, moderate, and severe desertification increased slowly by expanding northward. Light, moderate, and severe desertification lands were more sensitive to climate change and anthropogenic activities, undergoing greater change intensity. Precipitation was the most influential factor determining the spatial distribution of desertification in the Sahel, with anthropogenic activities also having a significant effect on the desertification level. This study comprehensively analysed desertification patterns in the Sahel and identified the primary driving factors, which are essential to inform Sahelian desertification control mechanisms in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]