RC passage- Understanding conclusion

GRE Verbal Problem Solving
1

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Can anyone help me in understanding the conclusion of this passage?
-The crop production decreased due to depopulation or the population decreased as a result of the lesser crop production?

(I know this is not related to Q 9 or Q 10, but I just wanted a better comprehension)

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The population decreased because crop production declined, not the other way around.

In other words:

Crop failure came first, leading to food shortages, which likely caused or contributed to depopulation.

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