This comparative study examines NTFP economic dependence and livelihood vulnerability among 1,000 tribal households, with 500 observations from Rayagada and 500 from Gajapati. The dataset contains 32 household-level variables. Mean NTFP income is ■16,403, representing 15.97% of total annual income. Mean LVI is 24.15. Rayagada records an NTFP income share of 16.68% versus 15.26% in Gajapati. OLS results show that NTFP income share, debt, market distance, livelihood shocks and seasonal migration are positively associated with LVI, while assets and education are negatively associated. The model explains 58.5% of LVI variation. The results support a policy approach that combines NTFP value addition and fair marketing with livelihood diversification, financial resilience and sustainable forest management.

Mr. Rajkumar Sabar, Dr. Sanjeeta Kumari Devi, "Economic Dependence on NTFPs and Livelihood Vulnerability among Tribal Households: A Comparative Study of Rayagada and Gajapati Districts, Odisha" International Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences Research Studies, V1(3): Page(115-123) July - August 2026. ISSN: 3139-0854. www.ijhssrs.com. Published by Scientific and Academic Research Publishing.