Economic Vulnerability of Tribal Households in Southern India: The Role of on-Timber Forest Products

Abstract

This study quantitatively assessed the economic vulnerability of tribal households in the Wayand District of Kerala, India with a specific focus on their dependence on Non timber Forest Products (Medicinal plants) as a primary livelihood source. A survey of 90 tribal households was conducted and Economic Vulnerability Index (EVI) was constructed based on three parameters: exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity. The results reveal that both male-headed and female-headed households are highly dependent on income derived from Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs), particularly medicinal plants, which contribute approximately 75% and 70% of their total household income, respectively. Female heads, bear the burden of household expenditure with less resource base, reduced overall income, and lower capacity to adjust, especially to climate change and environmental degradation. Female-headed households (FHHs) also showed a lack of preparedness and recovery skills. Economic vulnerability was found to be significantly influenced by a number of factors, including gender, the presence of chronic illness in the household, asset ownership, and monthly per capita. The proportion of households that were not warned of an upcoming natural disaster was the most influencing indicator for exposure while the average livelihood diversification index influenced the sensitivity of medicinal plant collectors. The average livelihood diversification index followed by annual income status was found to be contributing to adaptive capacity. MHHs benefited from broader social capital, stronger institutional linkages, and better access to productive resources, resulting in lower vulnerability scores. In contrast, FHHs experienced structural disadvantages including weaker social networks and income volatility highlighting pronounced gender disparities. By addressing differential vulnerabilities between MHHs and FHHs, this study contributes to the empirical understanding of socio-economic dynamics in forest-dependent tribal communities. The findings underscore the critical role of medicinal NTFPs in enhancing livelihood resilience and inform the development of gender-sensitive, ecosystem-based adaptation strategies.