Green husks are the outer layer of walnut fruits. They form part of the agro-residues discarded away upon nut maturity in the walnut industry. Although it is not used, research studies show that green husk is a rich source of natural bioactive phytochemicals. A total of 83 individual phenolic compounds were identified in walnut husks, mainly consisting of naphthoquinones, flavonols, and hydroxycinnamic acids. There is no standard profile of phenolic compounds in walnuts; the quantity and quality of phenolic compounds vary by cultivar. Walnut extracts exhibit strong antioxidant activities and play an important role in the plant’s defence mechanisms against diseases, attacking different plant organs. The study provides a review of total phenolic content and individual phenolic compounds identified in green husks of different walnut cultivars as documented in different studies. It also explores the role and application of green husks in various industries such as traditional medicine, textile, wood, leather, beverage, and agriculture. In addition, the effects of phenolic compounds on biotic and abiotic factors are also evaluated.

This study assessed the impacts of Farmer Field Schools (FFS) on household food security and environmental conservation in the Western Province of Kenya. The outcome variables were: Maize yield per acre, income per acre, household food insecurity score and environmental conservation score. Principal component analysis and propensity score matching techniques were used for analyses and regression method to test the robustness of matching results. We found that FFS households harvest higher crop yield of up to 9.45 bags which is significantly different (p<0.05) from their counterparts. Consequently, FFS households earn significantly (p<0.05) higher income estimated over KSh 2,800 per acre than Non-FFS households. Although the EC score were not significantly different, FS scores were low in FFS households. The study showed that FFS program significantly (-0.42**) reduce severity of food insecurity this implies that FFS plays a critical role in enhancing household food security. Key words: Farmer field schools, food security, environmental conservation. This study assessed the impacts of Farmer Field Schools (FFS) on household food security and environmental conservation in the Western Province of Kenya. The outcome variables were: Maize yield per acre, income per acre, household food insecurity score and environmental conservation score. Principal component analysis and propensity score matching techniques were used for analyses and regression method to test the robustness of matching results. We found that FFS households harvest higher crop yield of up to 9.45 bags which is significantly different (p<0.05) from their counterparts. Consequently, FFS households earn significantly (p<0.05) higher income estimated over KSh 2,800 per acre than Non-FFS households. Although the EC score were not significantly different, FS scores were low in FFS households. The study showed that FFS program significantly (-0.42**) reduce severity of food insecurity this implies that FFS plays a critical role in enhancing household food security. Key words: Farmer field schools, food security, environmental conservation.