to become self-actualized, one must first satisfy basic needs in the

I believe the answer is: hierarchy of needs in humans

In the hierarchy of needs, the needs for human is depicted in  several level of pyramids and it is impossible to fulfill the needs in the higher hierarchy if the needs in the lower hierarchy hasn't been fulfilled.
In that pyramid, self-actualization is at the top level of the pyramid while basic needs such as food, water, and shelter are at the lowest level.