Final answer:
The decline in farming led to land degradation and economic hardships for farmers, prompting bank foreclosures and reducing the number of farms. Technological advances led to fewer jobs on farms, thus causing a significant rural-to-urban migration.
Step-by-step explanation:
When farming started to decline, there were significant consequences for both the economy and the population. Firstly, land degradation occurred, with issues like soil erosion, loss of organic matter, and soil salinity leading to decreased agricultural productivity. As yields dropped in some areas, farming became less profitable, causing an economic downturn for farmers. Often unable to repay debts, many lost their farms, with subsequent bank foreclosures exacerbating the problem. Access to farming was also hindered due to the high costs of business and land competition from urban sprawling, further reducing the number of farms and farmers.
Moreover, as farm labor became less in demand due to technological advancements such as the Industrial Revolution's improved farm equipment, there was a shift in the workforce. A rural-to-urban migration ensued, with people leaving farms to seek work in growing cities. This population shift had various impacts on the social fabric, leading to a decline in rural communities and population growth in central cities.