Steyn Hoogakker
Steyn Hoogakker is an interdisciplinary researcher and visual ethnographer focusing on the intersection of urban imarginality, energy justice, and food security in the Global South. His work explores the lived experience of urban socio-technical transitions through unique, multi-year longitudinal studies.
By combining mixed-methods inquiry and analysis with decolonial critique, he aims to dismantle narratives of progress and advocate for just futures grounded in local ontologies and social equity.
List of recent publications:
Hoogakker, S.S. (2022). Authenticity Inc? Exploring Commodification of History, Culture and the (Foreign) Indigenous Image. LE Magazine (02).
Hoogakker, S.S. (2022). ‘You’re Invited’: Exploring Food and Energy Access During Times of Environmental Hazards. Video and Art Installation ‘Cold Castle’, Odawna, Accra.
Hoogakker, S.S. (2026). The (Im)Material Infrastructures of Colonial Legacies in Togo. Video-Installation showcased at Culture Together Festival in Kpalimé, Togo:https://steynhoogakker.com/miscellaneous/keteke-video-installation
Hoogakker, S.S. (2025). Informing Just Energy Cooking Transitions in Urban Informal Settlements: an Assemblage Ethnography in the Community Foodscape.
Doctoral Thesis (Under Embargo). Loughborough University, United Kingdom.
Hoogakker, S.S, & Mensah, P. (forthcoming, 2026). Journey Mapping Modern Energy Cooking Transitions in Urban Informal Settlements: A Longitudinal Case Study in Accra. MECS Working Paper.
Hoogakker, S.S, & Dzelu, C. (forthcoming, 2026). Re-energising Kenkey Production in Accra: Understanding Current and Future (e)Cooking Practices.
MECS Working Paper.
Sarpong, A, Fodio-Todd, J, Hoogakker, S.S. (2023). Ghana eCookbook: Exploring Electric Cooking (2nd Edition). MECS Publication: https://mecs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Ghana-eCookbook-V2.pdf