"Barren land" refers to an area of land that is devoid or lacking in vegetation, crops, or any form of life. It is typically dry, unproductive, and unable to support the growth of plants or sustain habitats for animals. Full definition
In Kubuqi, the meaning of «desert» has been redefined: flocks of sheep and cattle are grazing amidst solar panels that pump electricity into the power grid, plentiful local organic produce is supplied across China and the wonder of barren land turned into a fruitful garden attracts many visitors from afar. (www2.unccd.int)
By financing desalination plants, the U.S. could also greatly decrease the tensions in the area, turn barren land into rich farmland, some of which could be used for resettling those in refugee camps, and encourage economic cooperation between Israel and Palestine that would provide a powerful incentive for peace. (religion-online.org)
Would you go to a few square miles of barren land with hundreds of thousands of other people fleeing conflict and wait to see what might be provided for you? (gse.harvard.edu)