Canal des Pangalanes is used by local people: Some of them use canoes for travel and make their homes along its banks. Ferries run up and down navigable areas transporting items such as wood, charcoal, dried fish and other produce. Many local people rely upon the canal and for some of them, it is their only means of travel. This area is the stronghold of the Betsimisaraka people and their villages can be seen along the banks. The canal provides fish for the locals, and cassava is grown along its banks.