The number of people with access to modern energy services has increased significantly throughout the last decades. However, a recent report (ESMAP, 2020) shows that still 4 billion people lack access to affordable, reliable and clean energy services to meet their basic needs. Even though it varies widely within- and between countries, the situation is worse in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) where more than three quarters of the people remain dependent on biomass fuels, such as firewood, charcoal, dung and agricultural residues as their primary sources of household energy.These contexts are more and more under pressure by processes of rapid urbanisation, contributing to the establishment of informal, unplanned settlements, often times characterized by a lack of adequate, reliable and basic municipal services, such as electricity, sanitation, water and waste disposal.To meet a decent standard of living for all, this research explores current energy and food injustices and how these injustices might inform just energy (cooking) in urban informal settlements. It attempts to provide an insight in the transition - and transformational change - towards these futures informed by justice in a Ghanaian context. 

The (participatory) process and outcome has been translated and presented in an innovative ways to support a wide range of expert or non-expert actors.This PhD research has a strong resonance with ongoing research amongst the Low Carbon Energy for Development Network (LCEDN) as well as new interests in clean cooking through the Modern Energy Cooking Services (MECS) programme.

Co-founder of non-profit organisation dedicated to action research, dissemination activities and stakeholder engagement in the realm of food and energy security in West Africa, with a particular focus on Ghana.

Having worked and lived extensively in various contexts in the Global South, Steyn began to develop a keen interest for documentary photography as a means to provoke a wider and more nuanced discussion around (mis)representation and foster dialogue and action around social and environmental injustices. Something he would refer to as visual-based activism, especially in conjunction with other media. His work was recognised by several international media and institutions through awards, grants and publications. He is always on the look-out for new and unexpected collaborations between disciplines and cross-overs between media. None of the 'visual projects' were commissioned, but rather self initiated and researched.

Field Research stretching throughout the Global South, with a particular focus on (West)Africa, South (East)Asia. (Former) Clients and Partners: FairClimate Fund, DOEN Participaties, Witteveen+Bos, Low Carbon Energy for Development Network, Loughborough University, UK Aid funded Modern Energy Cooking Services (MECS) Programme, GAMOS UK, Climate-KIC, Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.