Does natural resource dependence reshape household livelihood vulnerability in China’s disaster resettlement?

Disaster resettlement is a key strategy for preserving the ecological environment and improving human well-being. Assessing the natural resource dependence (NRD) and livelihood vulnerability of rural households in disaster resettlement regions is crucial for addressing current ecological and livelihood concerns. It serves as a useful guide for future sustainable development. Drawing on data from 657 rural questionnaires in Ankang Prefecture, this article conceptualizes and measures NRD and livelihood vulnerability at the household level. Based on a comparative analysis of NRD and livelihood vulnerability across various types of rural households, ordinary least squares (OLS) regression models were used to investigate the influence of NRD on livelihood vulnerability. The results show that: (1) the NRD kernel density curves of relocated households are steeper than those of non-relocated households, indicating less fluctuation in dependence; (2) the livelihood vulnerability of relocated, voluntarily relocated, and newly relocated households are significantly higher than that of non-relocated, involuntarily relocated, and early relocated households; (3) NRD is significantly and negatively associated with livelihood vulnerability, with energy dependence showing a similar response. Our study indicates that rural households’ dependence on natural resources can effectively reduce their own livelihood vulnerability. Therefore, it is recommended that policymakers improve the NRD of rural households by implementing sustainable resource management strategies, promoting diversified livelihoods, and providing targeted policy support.