Retrospective of paradigms of agricultural advisory services: options for Ukraine

The purpose of the paper is to highlight the changes in agricultural advisory paradigms on basis of the world practice and determine the peculiarities of their practical application by establishing partnerships between science, education, advisory service, and public authorities in providing such services to farmers and rural population in Ukraine. Research methods. In the research process have been used the following scientific methods: abstraction and generalization for analysis of the scientific works of domestic and foreign scientists on issues related to advisory services and similar activities; analogue method for establishing the optimal form of partnership. Research results. The essence of the concept of “paradigm” and patterns of paradigms’ changes have been highlighted. The retrospective has been presented in the world practice of changing paradigms of agricultural extension activities, analogous to which is advisory activity in Ukraine. The peculiarities of the forms of partnership relations of science, education, advisory service, and government entities in providing advisory services to agricultural producers and rural population within different paradigms have been established. The research revealed the compliance issues of domestic practice of agricultural informational and advisory activity implemented by scientific and higher educational institutions of the agrarian profile within the framework of the “transfer of innovations” paradigm, while agricultural advisory services and advisors through the paradigms of “advisory work” and “human resources’ development”. Importance of transition from the “bottom-up” concept of partnership forms has been determined, since the expansion of the role of the economic entity not only as the recipient of the services but also as co-implementer of these services ensures better perception and implementation of the recommended decisions. Elements of scientific novelty. Scientific novelty of the article lies in the expediency of using in the domestic practice of agricultural information and advisory activity, implemented by scientific and higher educational institutions of the agrarian sector, as well as agricultural advisory services of “downstream” forms of partnership relations with business entities, within the rural territories, for strengthening applicability of recommended solutions. Practical significance. Establishing the paradigm of agricultural extension (advisory) activities will ensure the formation of methodological foundations for development of agricultural advisory activities, implemented by scientific and higher educational institutions of agrarian profile and agricultural advisory services in Ukraine. Tabl .: 1. Refs.:: 14.