ABSTRACT
This chapter shows how a mathematical hydro-economic model can help decision-makers who are coping with many pressures, including political ones. It discusses the application of the Macro-Economic Integrated Analysis of Hydrology Decision Support System (MEIAH DSS) to Morocco and to other countries. For Morocco, a Computable Generalized Equilibrium has been developed and is already being improved. The chapter looks at MEIAH as a point of departure for research and new thinking about water planning for sustainable socio-economic development, where water is considered as an economic good that necessarily holds an important place in national planning. The MEIAH system is targeted to high-level decision makers, policy analysts and strategic planners. The chapter explores the handling of water resources in its proper position as an integral and important part of overall economic management, in water stressed countries. There are several governmental bodies and ministries in every water-stressed country that discuss water every day and formulate plans and strategies for its management.
