The Furthest Behind First

Written by Pat Mc Mahon

26th May 2024

The Furthest Behind First, highlights the urgent need to prioritise the most vulnerable populations in global food systems and nutrition responses, particularly those living in extreme poverty, fragile contexts, and protracted crises.

It argues that current approaches to food security and development often fail to reach those who are furthest behind, leaving the most vulnerable—especially pregnant women, young children, and marginalised communities—without adequate support. The paper calls for a deliberate shift towards equity-focused interventions that prioritise these groups first in policy design and resource allocation.

A central theme is the importance of maternal and child nutrition, particularly during the first 1,000 days, as the foundation for long-term health and development. The document stresses that addressing inequality in access to nutrition and healthcare is essential to breaking cycles of poverty and malnutrition.

It advocates for a “furthest behind first” approach that reorients global systems to ensure that those in greatest need are prioritised in both humanitarian and development responses.

Read more about it here.