Profile for Barbara Attridge, Founder of The African Oasis
Barbara Attridge is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of The African Oasis CIC
I am passionate about bringing people from different backgrounds, skills, and experience together to make a difference in the communities they live.
I believe that ordinary people can make a huge environmental, economic, and social difference in their communities.
I believe in the use of innovation & technology to solve complex societal problems.
Working together as responsible citizens we will continuously push boundaries of innovation; we will position ourselves to create and contribute to building and strengthening our neighbourhoods and facilitating community cohesion.
Profile for Mbo Kasai, one of The African Oasis CIC Directors
Credentials: MIMMM, MCSM,MIE, Meng petroleum engineer, MSc Mining ( Camborne school of mine )
As Strategic Lead Engineer of Shelthorpe Garden, Kasai has been able to demonstrates how abandoned urban spaces can be transformed into thriving sustainable food production hubs.
Working with the The African Oasis CIC team, Kasai has pioneered an innovative approach to urban agriculture that seamlessly integrates low-tech and high-tech farming solutions.
Under his leadership, Shelthorpe Garden has become a model for circular urban farming systems, featuring:
Integrated Food Production Systems:
Kasai will be responsible for
* Designed and implemented a comprehensive aquaponics system combined with microgreen production
* Developing rainwater harvesting infrastructure to optimize water usage
* Creating an innovative aeration composting system that generates heat for greenhouse operations
Sustainable Infrastructure Development:
* Kasai is working designing creative solutions using reclaimed materials, including PVC and pallets for structural elements of the garden
* he has implemented organic waste recycling programs with local stores to enhance soil quality
* He will lead the design and deployment of algae bioreactors to improve local air quality and to demonstrate biotechnology applications.
Community Impact:
* Established knowledge transfer programs to educate local communities about sustainable farming practices
* Created workshops focused on organic food production and sustainable agriculture techniques
* Developed initiatives to address food poverty through increased local food production
* Built partnerships with local businesses to create sustainable organic food sourcing networks
The Shelthorpe Urban Farm Project showcases Kasai’s ability to apply his engineering expertise to practical, community-driven development.
By combining his background in resource optimization with sustainable agriculture, he has created a replicable model for urban farming that addresses both environmental and social challenges.
The Shelthorpe Garden initiative demonstrates how technical innovation can be leveraged to create lasting positive impact in local communities while promoting sustainable food systems.
Through this work, Kasai continues to champion the integration of sustainable technologies with community development, creating spaces that serve both as educational resources and vital sources of local food production.
Kasai’s leadership at Shelthorpe Garden exemplifies how engineering expertise can be applied to create practical solutions for food security and environmental sustainability
Dr Olanrewaju Badmus Lanre, one of The African Oasis CIC Directors
Profile for Dr Olanrewaju Badmus Lanre, one of The African Oasis CIC Directors
As a Regional Director of the West Africa Region of World Aquaculture Society African Chapter aiming to promote sustainable and regenerative agriculture, and aquaculture food production and processing in Africa, Lanre is best placed to lead The African Oasis CIC in taking an active role in bringing about Agriculture and Aquaculture Solutions in Africa including but not limited to promoting :
1. Integrated Aquaculture and Agriculture Systems*:
2. Aquaponics Training and Outreach*:
3. Community-Based Fish Farming*:
4. Research and Innovation Hub on Urban Farming Africa *:
5. . Fish Processing and Value Addition*:
6. Sustainable Feed Production*:
7. Policy Advocacy and Stakeholder Engagement*:
8. Environmental Stewardship and Restoration*:
Lanre experience and success stories include but not limited to
1. Building and managing of recyculatory system for Federal College of Agriculture Iswagu, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
2. Reconstruction and managing the largest fish farms in West Africa sub- region,( Panyam Fish farm, Mangu, Plateau State).
3. Introducing and pioneering of fisheries and aquaculture program into the foremost National Veterinary Research Institute, Federal College of Animal & Health Production Technology.
4. Pioneer Vice Chairman of Plateau State fish farmers cooperative society
James Brady
James Brady offers 40 plus years as a small business owner, entrepreneur, mentor and advocate for small business and economic development.
James is a Veteran and a graduate of Archi’s Acres, where he attended the Farm Academy to learn Hydroponics in 2015! Three years later he incorporated as a Low Profit Social Enterprise Ag Tech Consulting Firm (Con10u2FarmL3C) that focuses on growing organic food in distressed communities and food deserts all around the world. In 2018 Con10u2farm, was very successful in implementing 16 school gardens in and around the Sacramento School District through a partnership with the local Health Dept. that he describes as an Eco-learning lab.
He then worked with UC Davis Nutrition Dept. to develop a new curriculum titled “Teen Caan” that trains the next generation how to effectively grow organic food in small spaces using our new Adaptive Growing Modules. He was contracted by local Sacramento County Supervisor to design and install the first (19X24) greenhouse onsite at the Boys and Girls Club in South Sacramento, and nationally, that instantly changed how young boys and girls view food security.
A founding board member of African Oasis CIC (1-20-2020) was organized in the UK as a non-profit to further his interest in international communities who struggle with food security, offering training using aquaponics and other non-traditional ways to grow some of the best organic foods.
James is also Vice President of (OmniGro.net) a non-profit startup who applied for and awarded and innovative grant in 2023 by USDA UAIP. Our pilot project is located in Kauai, Hawaii, where we will use our innovative growing systems for educational purposes to local farmers, schools, local food banks, government and community.
He recently teamed up with Aqua Crop, located in Southern California who became the first Mobile Produce Market in Southern California, contracted by the city of Long Beach. Food is delivered and sold via Electric Mobile Cart to distressed community members, who can pay with EBT, Food Stamps, Apple Pay, Zelle. A community caretaker approach to address nutritional needs of the most vulnerable people inside food insecure areas around the city.
He was recently featured in news article from New Zealand, titled Flipping the Script in Controlled Environmental Agriculture, and how to grow the Moringa tree in controlled environmental settings and use the biproducts for cellular food creations.
James is also the founder/creator of the Urban Agriculture Institute that is currently being reviewed by board members (African Oasis CIC) to set up two Agri-pilot projects focused on 21st Century Farmers training, one located in the UK and another in Nigeria. James believe that together we can create agribusinesses that can scale around the globe using our innovative approach to combat hunger globally, while creating wealth for Urban growers and rural communities that will become sustainable
Future Ickler
Future Ickler Professional Roles: Vocational Trainer | Service Auditor | Banker | Translator & Cultural Trainer | Director at African Oasis (UK) Bio: As a multi-faceted professional with expertise spanning several industries, I bring a wealth of experience and dedication to every role I undertake. Based in Germany, I am passionate about empowering individuals and organizations through targeted training, strategic insights, and innovative solutions. In my capacity as a Vocational Trainer, I specialize in equipping learners with practical skills and knowledge tailored to their career aspirations.
My approach focuses on fostering confidence and competence, ensuring lasting professional success. As a Service Auditor, I collaborate with businesses to evaluate and enhance service quality, ensuring customer satisfaction and operational excellence. With a keen eye for detail, I identify opportunities for improvement that align with organizational goals. Drawing on my experience as a Banker, I have developed a deep understanding of financial systems and customer relationship management. This background enables me to oƯer insights into eƯective resource management and strategic planning. As a Translator & Cultural Trainer, I bridge linguistic and cultural gaps to foster understanding and collaboration.
Fluent in English, German, Shona, and Ndebele, I provide language services and cultural training to help individuals and organizations navigate diverse environments eƯectively. Currently serving as a Director at African Oasis, a UK-based organization, I contribute to initiatives that promote sustainable development and cross-cultural collaboration.
I am passionate about ensuring food security and promoting healthy eating, aligning with the organization’s mission to foster well-being and sustainability. My work focuses on fostering partnerships and driving impactful programs that align with the organization’s mission. Residing in Germany, I value the opportunity to work within a global context. My diverse professional background, coupled with my commitment to excellence, positions me as a resourceful and dynamic contributor to any endeavor.