The prolonged drought in the Sahel region during the 1680s had devastating effects on West Africa, leading to widespread famine and societal disruptions. This climatic event severely impacted agriculture, threatening food security and livelihoods. The drought's consequences highlighted the vulnerability of societies to environmental changes and set the stage for future migrations and conflicts in the region.

The Sahel drought of the 1680s preserved in oral traditions influenced later West African poetry, emphasizing themes of resilience and migration. Poets like Amadou Hampâté Bâ drew upon these narratives to explore cultural identity and survival, reflecting the deep connection between environment and human experience.