Agile Methods in Ethiopia: An Empirical Study

Abstract

Abstract. This paper provides empirical evidence of agile method adoption in smaller companies in Ethiopia. Agile methods are emerging as best practice for software development in the global north. So, is there evidence that agile methods are being used in Ethiopia? A Grounded Theory approach was adopted using face-to-face interviews with 17 software professionals from 7 software companies, which were selected by using a snowball sampling technique. The interviews were semi-structured and open-ended and have been audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed. It was discovered that agile principles, values and practices are important to study participants. Agile practices are used to encourage user participation and clarify requirements. However, it was found that many projects are for government clients that mandate extensive requirements and design documentation which must be approved prior to delivery of working software that complies with predefined delivery schedules.

Implementation of Agile Methodology in Developing Countries: Case Study in Lebanon

“…Our findings are consistent with previous research conducted in Ethiopia, which show novice agile practitioners tend to mix plan-based and agile methods [18]. Also, companies experience gaps when implementing agile practices with missing roles, ceremonies and artefacts due to lack of staff, knowledge and finances.…”

“…Developing countries have been implementing agile methods in their software development process. Practitioners are aware of the benefits of agile and stress on the importance of its implementation [18]. Gaps between the developers and the end-users hinder the development process [3,10].…”

A Post-colonial Analysis of Agile Software Development Methods in ICT4D

“…Consequently, it is difficult to find a software development method that is most effectively adopted as it was originally suggested in textbook format [8]. Software organisations could further tailor agile methods in order to fit their country culture, values and strategies [20] [23].…”

“…Studies have investigated agile methods adoption in Kenya [15], Ethiopia [23] and Egypt [20]. Whereas, in Kenya where an offshore/onshore collaboration model was employed, in Ethiopia and Egypt, practitioners were adopting agile methods with little prior first hand experience.…”

Agile Software Development Practices in Egypt SMEs: A Grounded Theory Investigation

“…Some research did focus on investigating software development challenges faced by practitioners in smaller software companies in specific regions e.g. sub-Saharan Africa where contributions were to literature in areas such as agile awareness and adoption challenges [8]. It was concluded that further research is required on how agile methodologies can be tailored for use in a developing country context.…”